Ayça Akal-Strader, Ph.D.

Cover Letter

Ayça Akal-Strader, Ph.D.

E–Mail:

Phone: (301) 564 – 3660

Status: U.S. Citizen – Schedule A (Hiring Authority R)

May22, 2013

Dear Hiring Manager:

This application is for the “Scientific Writer”position (Job #: 84073253) currently open at Booz Allen Hamilton in Rockville, MD, which I was made aware of by BusinessWorkforce.com. I learned about your company in my career skills class at Georgetown University. As a PhD scientist with extensive knowledge of biomedical sciences and eagerness to serve the United States veterans, I am hereby submitting my application to be considered for this role.

I am a National Security Education Program (NSEP) scholar in the English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS)certificate program at Georgetown University. Designed for the professional workplace, this is a full-time intensive English program that provides training in critical thinking, analytical writing skills, research methods, and professional oral/written communication. I have been conducting a capstone research project, Open Source Analysis Project (OSAP), under the guidance of mentors from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Findings from my research paper entitled Reputation Laundering in Turkey: The Case of Fethullah Gülen(FG)/Gülen Movement (GM) will be presented at a formal symposium for the Intelligence Community/federal officials at Georgetown University in June 2013. This paper will focus on identifying patterns of corruption by FG/GMcoupled with acts of generosity and positive name promotion to facilitate their integration into the Western world. Research is being conducted in Turkish and English using online forums, news articles, meeting proceedings, court case files, periodicals, videos, personal interviews, and opinion editorials.

I am a U.S. Citizen with Schedule A (Hiring Authority R) and I will be available for full–time work on July 1, 2013. I am confident I will be an excellent candidate for this position because of the following qualifications, which closely overlap with the major requirements of this position:

  • Ph.D. degreeand 6+ years of post-graduate research experience, critically analyzing resultsand independently reviewing internal/external scientific papers in diverse biomedical/health-related fields with strong attention to detail
  • Proven record of report/technical content writing/editingand effective oral and written communication through teaching, presentations, and publicationsusingMS Office package
  • 1 year project management experience as a Managing Translator in a company setting, workingunder little supervision and with excellent timeliness, translation quality, and customer satisfaction
  • Team–centered approach, with a strong focus on collaboration between managers, contractors, and other teams to ensure timely delivery of projects

I have attached my updated resume to this application package. If you are interested in my background and skill set, I will be happy to further discuss my knowledge, skills, and abilitieswith you. I thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Ayça Akal-Strader

Scientific Writer

Job Number: / 84073253
Company Name: / Booz Allen Hamilton
Location: / Rockville, MD US
Career Focus: / Management & Business
Updated: 5/4/2013
Scientific Writer
Title: Scientific Writer
Location: United States-Maryland-Rockville
Other Locations:
Key Role:
Join a growing team conducting leading edge research analyses, consulting, and product development in the areas of traumatic brain injury, psychological and mental health, and behavior. Vet scientific research and health information by assessing study design and strength of findings. Summarize scientific findings from a wide range of topic areas to inform clients about the state of the field. Work collaboratively with team members and clients to write reports and identify strategies aimed primarily at improving clinical outcomes and operational readiness of military service members returning from current conflicts. Apply experience with science writing and reviewing of journal articles.
Basic Qualifications:
-1 years of experience with post-graduate work independently and critically evaluating content from a wide range of scientific and health fields
-1 years of experience with post graduate work independently, accurately, and concisely writing about and discussing scientific concepts with technical proficiency
-1 years of experience with post graduate review and assessment of scientific journal articles for rigor and impact
-Experience with working collaboratively in teams to meet goals
-Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
-Ability to obtain a security clearance
-MA, MS, or MPH degree
Additional Qualifications:
-2 years of experience as a science journal editor or science or health journalist
-2 years of experience with writing review articles or meta-analyses on medical or clinical subjects
-2 years of experience as a project or program manager
-Experience with interacting effectively with or facilitating various types of people, including senior executives, government leaders, researchers, and clinicians
-Experience with analyzing levels of scientific or clinical evidence or grading evidence, including USPSTF and GRADE or with use of clinical guidance development and evaluation tools, such as AGREE II
-MA, MS, or MPH degree in a Scientific field preferred; PhD degree a plus
Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Integrating the full range of consulting capabilities, Booz Allen is the one firm that helps clients solve their toughest problems, working by their side to help them achieve their missions. Booz Allen is committed to delivering results that endure.

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