Senior Research Writer
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
Position Highlights
Under direction of the Director, News and Communications, the Senior Research Writer leads the University of Arizona's efforts to identify, compose and edit engaging feature stories and news releases about high-level university science initiatives. The Senior Research Writer will effectively and accurately translate complex information into understandable and appealing news for external media and internal audiences, while also developing relationships with key stakeholders within the University and among the greater scientific community.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead efforts to identify and curate the most impactful university science projects and write stories and news releases for the university's flagship communications channels.
Serve as a senior institutional representative with external media.
Generate story leads and media opportunities.
Oversee the development of narratives and framing for complex, sensitive, or high‑visibility topics.
Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors and producers to anticipate coverage and place and pitch stories and university experts.
Engage with incoming media requests from journalists seeking university experts and facilitate those requests.
Create briefing sheets, talking points and assist with interview preparation.
Work with the wider University Marketing & Communications team and with research‑driven campus partners to develop stories, visual assets and cultivate expertise to generate interest in the University’s Tier 1 research portfolio.
Provide coaching and direction to junior staff on advanced media practices.
Tailor news releases and feature stories into short‑form content for the university’s social media channels.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific topics into compelling stories about the value and impact of the work for general audiences. Proven ability in generating story leads.
Excellent grammar, writing, editing, AP style and research skills; project management skills; ability to handle multiple projects with short‑ and long‑term deadlines; excellent communication skills; an ability to work with varied constituencies and audiences.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional research writing and editing experience.
Preferred Qualifications
A Master’s degree in journalism, communications, English, science or related field and 10‑plus years of professional news‑writing and editing experience, preferably in an academic setting.
Experience writing in‑depth stories relating to health research, artificial intelligence, fusion energy, environmental resilience, sustainable mining, water resources.
Established track record of news media placements that feature scientific discoveries.
Experience creating engaging short‑form social media posts to effectively communicate complex ideas for lay audiences.
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Communication and Marketing
Benefits Eligible
Yes – Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$65,687 – $85,393
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
9
Grade Range
represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC4
Job Family
Media Relations
Job Function
Communications & Marketing
Type of criminal background check required:
Name‑based criminal background check (non‑security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
4/27/2026
Contact Information for Candidates
Nicholas Prevenas | nprevenas@arizona.edu
Open Date: 3/25/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant: Please upload a writing sample under “Additional Document” as part of your application.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
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Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead efforts to identify and curate the most impactful university science projects and write stories and news releases for the university's flagship communications channels.
Serve as a senior institutional representative with external media.
Generate story leads and media opportunities.
Oversee the development of narratives and framing for complex, sensitive, or high‑visibility topics.
Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors and producers to anticipate coverage and place and pitch stories and university experts.
Engage with incoming media requests from journalists seeking university experts and facilitate those requests.
Create briefing sheets, talking points and assist with interview preparation.
Work with the wider University Marketing & Communications team and with research‑driven campus partners to develop stories, visual assets and cultivate expertise to generate interest in the University’s Tier 1 research portfolio.
Provide coaching and direction to junior staff on advanced media practices.
Tailor news releases and feature stories into short‑form content for the university’s social media channels.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific topics into compelling stories about the value and impact of the work for general audiences. Proven ability in generating story leads.
Excellent grammar, writing, editing, AP style and research skills; project management skills; ability to handle multiple projects with short‑ and long‑term deadlines; excellent communication skills; an ability to work with varied constituencies and audiences.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional research writing and editing experience.
Preferred Qualifications
A Master’s degree in journalism, communications, English, science or related field and 10‑plus years of professional news‑writing and editing experience, preferably in an academic setting.
Experience writing in‑depth stories relating to health research, artificial intelligence, fusion energy, environmental resilience, sustainable mining, water resources.
Established track record of news media placements that feature scientific discoveries.
Experience creating engaging short‑form social media posts to effectively communicate complex ideas for lay audiences.
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Communication and Marketing
Benefits Eligible
Yes – Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$65,687 – $85,393
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
9
Grade Range
represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC4
Job Family
Media Relations
Job Function
Communications & Marketing
Type of criminal background check required:
Name‑based criminal background check (non‑security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
4/27/2026
Contact Information for Candidates
Nicholas Prevenas | nprevenas@arizona.edu
Open Date: 3/25/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant: Please upload a writing sample under “Additional Document” as part of your application.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr