Science Writer

Description

Our Communications Team is seeking a motivated science writer to share the cutting-edge science and unique mission of the Morgridge Institute for Research with the world. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team passionate about boosting engagement with the institute’s research amongst a diverse set of stakeholders and audiences. Primary responsibilities will include identifying and executing science storytelling opportunities from within the institute’s diverse research portfolio and translating complex topics for non-specialists across platforms.  

This is a full-time position.  Work is performed primarily on-site, with a hybrid option 1-2 days per week.

Primary Responsibilities

· Identify and produce high-impact stories on research, programs, people and ideas, in concert with the Morgridge advancement team. 

· Write press releases, perform media outreach, engage reporters, and use research tools to reach target markets for promotion.

· Manage multiple editorial projects and meet deadlines.

· Coordinate multimedia content needs and oversee productions with video and photography vendors; on occasion, pursue opportunities to produce, shoot and edit original multimedia stories for Morgridge news feeds.

· Cover breadth of Morgridge research through a variety of storytelling formats and styles. 

· Develop relationships with researchers across the institute to stay abreast of storytelling opportunities.

· Miscellaneous duties as required

Requirements

To succeed at this job, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations will be considered and may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, English, communications, science communications or other      related field, or equivalent experience, is required. 
• Minimum three years of experience in research communication, including news media, print, digital, video, and social media.
• Experience with email marketing and online newsletter creation.
• Experience with pitching stories to local and national reporters.
• Experience with communications platforms such as Mailchimp, WordPress, Google Analytics and Basecamp preferred.
• Experience using public relations and earned media software like Meltwater or Agility preferred.
• Communications experience within scientific, biomedical, hospital, research-intensive or technology organizations preferred.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing abilities that demonstrate creativity, clarity and accuracy, combined with a strong functional knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Strong interest in and ability to quickly comprehend Morgridge scientific programs and synthesize and translate these topics for a public audience.
• Passion and capability for communicating research in creative and entertaining ways.
• Ability to prioritize, plan and execute multiple projects appropriately to meet short- and long-term deadlines.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Individual initiative combined with collaborative team attitude.
• Video and photography capability a plus (not required).
• Integrity and commitment to the organization and its mission.

 Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work is normally performed in a typical office.
• Very limited physical effort is required.
• Very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Limited travel required.