Science Writer and Communications Strategist

🔍 Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

New

📁: Communications

📅   : 6 days ago Post Date

📅   : 106128 Requisition #

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
What is the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute?
The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford is a university-wide research initiative, housed under the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR), that leverages Stanford’s exceptional research across multiple disciplines to advance our understanding of the mind and brain in health and in disease and leverage that knowledge for the benefit of society. The institute also houses the Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, a bold effort to advance a new science of healthy brain aging and novel approaches to combat neurodegenerative disease.

Our research community draws from and informs multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, medicine, engineering, psychology, education and law. The discoveries that arise from these collaborations will transform our understanding of the human brain, provide novel treatments for brain disorders, and promote brain health throughout the lifespan. And the creative, cross-disciplinary mindset we foster in our trainees is cultivating the next generation of neuroscience research.

We are building an inclusive team that welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. We hope you will join us in our mission.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position of Science Writer and Communications Strategist will be responsible for covering the frontiers of neuroscientific research emerging from the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s wide-ranging research community — from biochemistry to behavior and beyond.

In service of the communications goals of Wu Tsai Neuro and the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, this position will develop compelling research narratives that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding — including research news and feature stories, faculty profiles and Q&As, and coverage of key institute programs and initiatives. They will maintain the institute’s publication calendar, oversee content on the institute website and contribute to multimedia projects such as podcast and video scripts and other tasks as assigned. They will have the opportunity to experiment and develop new communications projects that advance the institute’s mission and oversee freelance writers as needed to achieve these objectives.

The role reports to Wu Tsai Neuro’s Associate Director of Communications and will collaborate closely with our small communications team and the close-knit staff team of Wu Tsai Neuro and the Knight Initiative and have the opportunity to engage broadly with our research community of faculty and trainees hailing from departments across Stanford’s seven schools, as well as stakeholders and communications colleagues across the university.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in science writing, excellent editorial skills, and some experience managing freelance writers. They are a strong science storyteller who is also a strong project manager. They must take the initiative to solve problems and learn new tools to help them, as well as the team, be successful. They will be a critical thinker with strong analytical skills, self-motivated, a collaborative team player, well organized, and able to follow through on commitments while managing multiple projects and deadlines. They should be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects, and adapting to evolving digital communications.

Please note that experience writing marketing materials only is not considered relevant experience for this role, nor is covering news beats unrelated to the biosciences and medical research. Equally, this position is not an academic writing position. Qualified candidates must have extensive experience writing non-academic news stories about research in the biosciences for the general public. Knowledge of neuroscience is preferred but only curiosity and an ability to learn are required. Scientific Curiosity about the mind and brain is a definite prerequisite.

This full-time position offers flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and/or remote options. This recruitment is for a one (1) year fixed-term, benefits-eligible position which begins on the start date and may be renewable in the future based on programmatic need and funding availability. For consideration, please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing samples. All final candidates must successfully complete a background check.

CORE DUTIES:

Research, plan, write, and edit original/complex publications for style and substance.
Ensure adherence of editorial content to guidelines and oversee the work of other editorial staff or free-lancers.
Recommend changes and amendments to communications or publications.
Work within deadlines and cost constraints of clients.
Advise and collaborate with clients on editorial and publication methods.
Communicate with writers, editors, photographers, vendors, and contractors, and review publication process.
Serve as a resource in developing strategies that promote effective delivery of publications/editorials to target audiences.
May assist with performance evaluation, hiring, and staff management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong writing, analysis and critical reading skills.
Ability to humanize complex ideas and make them relevant to the layperson.
Knowledge of neuroscience, psychology, or cognitive science and/or familiarity with evolving best practices in science communication.
Highly professional and rapid communication abilities and the discretion to communicate appropriately to different audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in journalism or neuroscience/biomedical science is preferred.
Experience writing about neuroscience or biomedical sciences for lay audiences is strongly preferred.
Proven experience producing high quality, accurate, and mission-driven content on tight deadlines is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently sitting.
Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be required to work on weekends, evenings, holidays, and flexible shifts.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Remote/Hybrid:

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $86,097 to $114,124 per annum for remote positions.
The expected pay range for this position is $111,329 to $132,242 per annum for hybrid positions.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information