I Will Absolutely Talk About My Job If Asked - Tumblr Posts

Hey, I'm a technical writer in a highly specialized field! There's a lot of paperwork in science, so here's a rundown for scientists:

Incoming sample log

QC data report

Data analysis report

Grant writing

Batch records*

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA)

Manuals

Quality Systems Manuals

Deviations

Approval and Change Control Form

Training Modules

Lab Journal**

Email reports

Safety Data Sheets (SDS, previously called Material Safety Data Sheets - MSDS if you're writing slightly in the past)

*This is more for industry scientists than research scientists. Depending on where you work, a batch record typically needs to be done contemporaneously (while the batch of whatever you are making, like a drug, is being made by the person doing the actions required to make it) and will often have a whole ass second person to review the data to ensure it is accurate. This is especially relevant for facilities monitored by the FDA/EMA/etc. Manufacturing individuals will be filling batch records out, QC/engineering often review. There is also an investigations department for when things go awry.

**Also really should be kept contemporaneously like batch records. This is more for research scientists than industry scientists.

I worked in pharma in the investigations department for a little bit and pivoted to fixing a previous company's paperwork, so I know a thing or two. This is more geared toward industry than research because that's where my experience is.

On top of all this, the normal office paperwork also applies.

We don’t talk enough about how fanfiction writers love to give character large amounts of non-specific paperwork they hate doing