Senior Sciences Writer (Hybrid) – Biomedical Strategy, Marketing & Communications

Position Summary
Responsible for writing lay-language press releases, news stories and feature articles to publicize innovations in patient care, research and medical education.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Proactively interview faculty and medical school leadership and writes press releases, news stories and feature articles for general audiences, including the public and reporters at international, national and regional news outlets, wire services and online media. Press releases on research in major science and medical journals is a priority.
• Reads and evaluates in-press journal articles by faculty to assess newsworthiness for news media and the general public.
• Works with leadership to identify and write stories that highlight the school’s strategic initiatives, clinical leadership and innovations.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with key faculty physicians, researchers and others to produce news releases and stories about major clinical and research advances.
• Identifies faculty experts in subject matters of interest to the media and the public.
• Keeps abreast of news trends.

Applicant Special Instructions

• Please include at least five examples of medical/science writing with your application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in journalism, communications or the sciences.
• Strong background in science and medicine.
• Demonstrated skill in clear and concise writing for lay audiences.
• Editing experience and/or demonstrated writing work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic medicine.
• Exceptional interview and writing skills.
• Strong communicator, skilled in building relationships.
• Enthusiastic learner interested in science and medicine.
• Strong time-management and organization skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a deadline-driven, detail-oriented environment.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of traditional news and online media operations.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement a regular program of developing medical/science press releases and news stories.
• Works effectively with others including but not limited to physicians, researchers and medical school leadership.
• Understanding of and commitment to the highest professional public relations standards, to working within the university’s established organizational structure, and to independent higher education.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and five years experience or equivalent of nine years of experience.

Grade
G13

Salary Range
$64,700.00 – $110,500.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one’s qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.