Senior Sciences Writer - Medical Public Affairs

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 & Responsibilities

•  Proactively interview faculty and medical school leadership and write 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.
• Read and evaluate in-press journal articles by faculty to assess newsworthiness for news media and the general public.
• Work with leadership to identify and write stories that highlight the school’s strategic initiatives, clinical leadership and innovations.
• Develop and nurture relationships with key faculty physicians, researchers and others to produce news releases and stories about major clinical and research advances.
• Identify faculty experts in subject matters of interest to the media and the public. Keep 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; to work well with others; and to work effectively with physicians, researchers and medical school leadership.
• A solid 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 demonstrated specialization in medical and/or science writing. 
• Five years professional writing experience in media or public relations. 

Grade
G13

Salary Range
$63,900.00 - $109,100.00 / 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
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of 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.

Applicant Instructions
When you are ready to apply, creating an account only takes a minute. Your account creates a candidate home page which we will use to communicate with you and allows you to apply for jobs and view your application statuses. The first page of the application offers two “Quick Apply” options. Quick Apply allows you to either use a previous application or create a new application using a resume to populate the work experience and education sections of your job application. If using a resume to populate your application, check to ensure the application fields populated accurately. You may skip the “Quick Apply” page by clicking “Next” at the bottom of the page. Documents may be uploaded in the My Experience section of the application. You also have the option to apply with a LinkedIn feature, which allows you to apply by using your LinkedIn profile to populate some of the job application fields.