University of Chicago is hiring: Scientific Writer in Chicago

Scientific Writer

This role involves creating various communications for the National Institute of Theory and Mathematics in Biology. The Scientific Writer will research and assist in writing articles and reports for the Research faculty, the Fellows, and help with reports for outside evaluations. This includes advising on writing blog posts and public-facing articles about the research coming out of the NITMB. The Scientific Writer will report to the Deputy Director for Research at the NITMB. This position will produce feature articles, requests for information (RFI), reports for University stakeholders and philanthropic organizations, along with other print and online communications. Under moderate guidance, the individual will research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications, and reports on complex and specialized subjects.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares content for presentations and multiple audiences, including assembling and organizing data into text and figures for presentations, publications, grant applications, reports, newsletters, and websites.
• Edits and advises postdocs on writing scientific blog posts and articles for publication.
• Develops and writes articles highlighting recent scientific publications by postdocs and faculty.
• Researches and writes compelling articles and proposals that inspire philanthropy and disseminates research.
• Fulfills other writing, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial duties as needed.
• Collaborates with communications colleagues across the University to plan and implement communications that uphold University messaging, tone, style, and brand guidelines.
• Researches, verifies, writes, and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.
• Uses knowledge of writing with moderate level of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized fields (e.g., scientific writing).
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Writing news and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets.
• Editing the work of others, writers and non-writers.
• Interviewing a wide range of subject matter experts, including academics and scientific researchers.
• Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of Google Docs, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, Keynote, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, and other design and creative programs.
• Familiarity with research and concepts in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Preferred Competencies:

• Exceptionally strong writing skills; able to produce clear, compelling, and eloquent text.
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to translate complicated scientific concepts for multiple audiences.
• Keen understanding of creative content trends and best practices.
• High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Application Documents:

• Cover Letter (Required)
• Resume (Required)
• Writing Sample (Required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.