Science Writer/Content Creator

Job Summary

As a member of the Technical Communications team, the Science Writer/Content Creator is responsible for providing journalistic communications support to Laboratory technical and operational efforts through a variety of mediums. The Science Writer/Content Creator’s primary responsibility is to develop high-quality science-based written content to be distributed through a number of communication channels including social media, workshops and events, and primarily, the Laboratory’s internal newsletter, The Bulletin. Many of these pieces will be used externally for sponsor briefings and other Laboratory news outlets. The Science Writer/Content Creator will work closely with Laboratory staff and other communications professionals toward the development of compelling, publishable content.

Under the direction of the Multimedia Services Team Lead, the Science Writer/Content Creator will assist with crafting feature articles, employee profile stories, and award and noteworthy columns that align with the Laboratory’s corporate voice/brand and meet communications standards of the highest level. As such, the role requires the ability and initiative to identify newsworthy events and programs, to chase leads, to gather comprehensive technical research information, to interview high-level contributors with tact and efficiency, to check facts and ensure accuracy, and to fully develop content to specified style and length requirements on wide-ranging topics, including leading-edge research and development programs, technical achievements and honors, and Laboratory operational initiatives.

The Science Writer/Content Creator will demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of the digital communications team within Technical Communications. Successful candidates will have demonstrated development and production experience in editorial story writing, flexibility in adapting to changing demands in a fast-paced production environment, and the willingness to gather an ongoing understanding of Laboratory history, mission areas, and evolving initiatives.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Content Planning and Development

• Engage with research staff and other internal resources to gather pertinent information about top-level R&D programs, technical innovations, community events, and employee initiatives

• Interview contributors, research technology, and perform necessary fact checking to craft accurate, relevant, and timely content

• Adapt existing content for delivery through other methods including social media and video

• Adhere to and maintain governance pertaining to supplied and/or requested content

  
  

Content Production

• Collaborate with Bulletin team to identify, schedule, and produce feature articles, employee profiles, and newsworthy events

• Work with contributors, graphic designers, photographers, and videographers to develop and acquire high quality imagery that augments content

• Apply both industry (i.e., Chicago Manual of Style) and Laboratory editing and publishing guidelines

• Flow developed content and images into web and InDesign templates, apply formatting styles, and edit to allotted size, space, and time limitations

• Adhere to established processes and targeted publication schedule

  
  

Relationship Management

• Frequently engage with Technical Communications team, Communications & Community Outreach team, and other major stakeholders on content planning and development

• Leverage network of key Laboratory contacts to provide steady flow of new content

• Track and respond to leadership and user community feedback in order to maintain publication goals, meet audience expectations, and identify issues, resolutions, and opportunities and to add value to the publication

  
  

Strategy Development

• Identify story opportunities based on Laboratory events and research milestones

• Research and recommend production enhancements and new digital tools for future content development and delivery

• Promote community contribution and engagement

• Identify and recommend other Laboratory communication channels to meet contributor communication goals and maintain original intent

Qualifications

Required:

• BS/BFA in English or Communications or equivalent education and experience

• Demonstrated skill and creativity in crafting compelling and accurate content

• Advanced knowledge of English grammar and publishing conventions

• Thorough, detail-oriented editorial and research skills

• Expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite products

• Basic understanding of Web based content platforms and how to populate content for publication

Preferred:

• Background in journalism

• Background in science writing/science communications

• Experience working in an academic, scientific/technical, or DoD environment

• Advanced communications experience with the ability to interpret complex technical information and to skillfully translate to engaging, accessible, well-branded content

Experience

• 1-2 years of experience writing and/or editing for a technical or academic audience

• 1-2 years of experience working with Web-based content development

• 1-2 years of experience in an editorial, news gathering, or corporate communications environment