CIDRAP News Editor, Writer Job at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis

About The Job

Specialized infectious disease science writer, reporter, copy editor, and web content manager. Conduct critical, timely review and analysis of scientific and public policy information dealing with timely, high-impact, and at times controversial public health issues. Distill highly technical material into policy-influencing news. Conduct probes into emerging infectious disease threats like outbreaks and bioterror dangers. Translate and synthesize scientific data and results into authoritative, relevant information. Develop story ideas and work collaboratively with the news team. Write, edit, and publish news stories for the CIDRAP News website www.cidrap.umn.edu. Assist with diverse project reports, papers, and other writing/editing assignments. Position significantly contributes to achieving CIDRAP’s mission to "prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions."

CIDRAP News provides expertise and synthesis via timely email alerts and around-the-clock access to detailed information on CIDRAP’s website. CIDRAP News has published thousands of policy-influencing, action-oriented news items and is frequently cited by leading public health organizations and government agencies.

Duties And Essential Functions

• News gathering and writing. Research, vet, and recommend potential news story and news brief ideas. (60%)
• Investigate, conduct interviews, analyze the latest information, and write specialized, high-impact news stories and briefs daily on new infectious disease incidents and emerging issues affecting public health.
• Write in-depth analysis pieces on timely controversial or complicated issues. Research and decide on accompanying topical photos, pathogen micrographs, and other images to enhance published material.
• Interview leading experts and policymakers as needed.
• Editorial work. Edit CIDRAP publications, journals, papers, and communications as needed. (20%)
• Participate in editorial-related meetings and assist in general editorial direction of CIDRAP News.
• News publishing and other technical tasks. (10%)
• Use web content management platform to load stories and images, write display copy, update home page features, and send daily newsletter pushes.
• Make decisions about the presentation of web material on the home page and elsewhere.
• Compile and create topical information as needs arise.
• Social media and other communications (5%)
• Help maintain and enhance CIDRAP social media presence and focus CIDRAP’s web and social media strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management (5%).
• Flexibility to adapt to ad-hoc requests.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or related field
• Minimum 4 years of professional communications experience in health or medical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Ability to make timely editorial decisions on website material.
• Excellent reporting, writing, editing, photo editing, and web publishing skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and show flexibility under tight deadlines.
• Experience in covering infectious diseases and other relevant topics
• Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability to: (1) produce clear, concise scientific writing; (2) convey technical material in a comprehensible way to professional and lay audiences; (3) synthesize complex information accurately; and (4) write content for professional publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit professional interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills.
• Ability to complete work accurately and independently
• Availability to travel several times per year

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education / non-profit research environment
• Deep interest in emerging infectious diseases and public health; track record of investigative reporting, science journalism, and research skills; ability to cultivate news sources and stay abreast of developing stories; experience with social media messaging.

About The Department

The mission of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) is to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and translation of scientific information into real-world applications, policies, and solutions. CIDRAP addresses international and national public health policy issues through projects including vaccine-related issues; emerging infectious disease threats; development of R&D roadmaps for coronavirus, influenza, Ebola/Marburg, Nipah, Lassa, and Zika vaccines; antimicrobial resistance and stewardship; chronic wasting disease; and bioterrorism/pandemic preparedness. CIDRAP maintains a strong web and communication presence through the CIDRAP website, daily newsletters, podcasts, and webinars.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $82,000 - $97,500 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for benefit information.

The University Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Professional training and degree-seeking programs
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Flexible spending accounts and HSA options
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Wellbeing programs and retirement plans with employer contributions
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with counseling

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be uploaded later via the My Job Applications page. For accommodations during the application process, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University is committed to diversity and inclusion in its employment practices and is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more about diversity at the U, visit diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About The U Of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is a large public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It is located in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area with extensive partnerships in health, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.