The Language Doctors, Inc. is a U.S.-based linguistic company known for delivering high-quality language services. We are currently seeking a Japanese Document Formatting & Transcription Specialist to help prepare documents for translation.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys structured, detail-heavy work and takes pride in producing clean, accurate documents.
Role Purpose
As a Transcriber, your core responsibility is to recreate scanned document PDFs into fully editable Microsoft Word documents, ensuring the content and formatting match the original file as closely as possible. These Word files serve as the “mirror” documents our translators rely on to deliver high-quality translations.
Important: This is not an audio transcription and not creative editing. You will be working with scanned PDFs, often from international healthcare systems, with varying layouts and quality.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Convert scanned PDFs into editable Word documents that match the source (layout, tables, spacing, headings, line breaks, and structure).
- Work with a wide variety of formats (typed notes, tables, bilingual sections, complex layouts, occasional handwriting).
- Use OCR outputs when available, and/or request OCR support when needed; then clean, format, and verify the document in Word.
- Follow written style and formatting guidelines to ensure consistency across files.
- Handle medical documents confidentially and responsibly at all times.
- Flag unclear or illegible content for further review and document any uncertainties.
- Perform a line-by-line quality check before submitting work to reduce errors and omissions.
Experience & Skills Required
- Advanced Microsoft Word skills, especially formatting (tables, tabs, spacing, page layout, headers/footers, styles).
- Excellent attention to detail and comfort with doing meticulous, repetitive work.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: JLPT N4 or equivalent proficiency required (ability to read hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji). JLPT N3 or above is a plus.
- English: Basic knowledge preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling medical, legal, or technical documents with complex formatting.
- Familiarity with OCR tools such as ABBYY FineReader or Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Basic image editing skills (helpful for improving readability in difficult scans).
Available Schedule
- Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM EST
- Monday to Friday 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
The Language Doctors, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Visit our website at www.thelanguagedoctors.org to learn more about us.
Skills Required
- Advanced Microsoft Word skills, including tables, tabs, spacing, page layout, headers, footers, and styles
- Strong attention to detail and comfort performing meticulous, repetitive work
- Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N4, including reading hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji
- Basic English knowledge
- Experience handling medical, legal, or technical documents with complex formatting
- Familiarity with OCR tools such as ABBYY FineReader or Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Basic image editing skills
What We Do
The Language Doctors is a leading provider of professional language solutions and services globally. We offer both on-site and virtual interpretation and translation services, enabling effective communication in any setting, whether online, hybrid, or in-person. The Language Doctors' suite of language services encompasses the following: - Instantaneous access to qualified interpreters by phone, video, and in-person - Translation and localization of all types of content - Implementation support and services - Competitively priced language access solutions Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, USA, we have a worldwide team of polyglot specialists. Our reputation for excellence has earned us a following among top government organizations, businesses, associations, and corporations worldwide.
