Science Writer

Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

The Science Writer is responsible for promoting the Institute’s achievements and reputation as a preeminent biomedical research organization to target audiences including the research community, biopharma industry, donors and general public.

This position serves as a key contributor, writer and project coordinator of publications that may include electronic media, press releases, newsletters, collateral and other digital communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Writes scientific content for use in publications and electronic media
• Generates ideas that support the overall communications strategy
• Conceptualizes, researches and drafts scientific press releases
• Conceptualizes, researches and writes science and nonscientific blog posts
• Serves as collaborator and writer for the Institute’s news magazine
• Produces and posts content for all social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Determines content, ensures accuracy and over-sees production and distribution for monthly e-newsletter to the Institute’s support base
• Contributes content to the Institute’s internal intranet, digital signage and external website
• Completes multiple assignments and projects simultaneously while delivering accurate, high-quality pieces
• Assists with writing internal communications

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, communications or journalism and four years’ experience in a combination of professional-level communications, media relations and/or project management work experience or equivalent combination of training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained required
• Master’s degree a science-related field, communications or journalism preferred

Knowledge, Skill and/or Abilities:

Superior written and verbal communications skills

• Strong experience writing and interpreting medical research for a general audience
• Storytelling ability to successfully engage lay audiences in publicity materials
• Experience using social media as a marketing or outreach tool
• Experience writing, producing and distributing digital communications
• Communications or public relations experience in a medical research or science-related environment is desirable
• Possess strong grammar skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Be responsible, organized, and a problem solver
• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with content management systems such as SharePoint and WordPress
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is desirable

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No, this position does not have any formal supervisory responsibilities

Compensation:
Annual Full Pay Range: $75,000 - $90,000/year (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the Institute reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the Institute anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals.