Science Research Writer - Department of Developmental Neurobiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a Science Research Writer in Developmental Neurobiology to craft department-wide science communications for internal and external audiences.

The role oversees editorial projects, collaborates with SCEO, and helps translate complex research into accessible content. The SRW will train researchers in plain-language writing, support seminars, and contribute to publications and institutional reports while maintaining strong ties with leadership and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in life sciences or related field required.
• PhD preferred; Science Communication program degree is a plus.
• 5+ years in journalism, public information, or related field.
• Experience posting to SharePoint or other website platforms.
• Social media management experience.
• Minimum 2+ years as a scientific editor or related publication work.
• Experience with NIH grant applications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning with Chair and Leadership Team to align with guidelines.
• Editorial manager and liaison with SCEO for department projects.
• Provide writing, editing, and science communication services to faculty and students.
• Train researchers in presentation and plain-language writing.
• Support editorial activities: manuscripts, grants, and institutional reports.
• Track progress on editorial projects and report outcomes.
• Participate in editorial and related organization meetings to improve skills.

Skills

Editorial management

Science communication

Public information

Social media management

Education

Master's degree in life sciences

PhD preferred

Tools

SharePoint

Website platforms

Job description

The Science Research Writer (SRW) for the Department of Developmental Neurobiology serves as a Science Communications Specialist.

The SRW reports directly to the Administrative Director, also part of that team.

The SRW shares with mainly with internal audiences how DNB contributes to St. Jude’s mission to find cures and save lives in ways that reflect our leadership culture, collaborative values, and scientific impact.

This communication may take any form (written articles, marketing materials, videos, infographics, etc.) and may be delivered through a variety of outlets (website, presentations, journal articles, etc.).

The SRW also pitches stories and nominates department publications for press releases to St. Jude’s Strategic Communications, Education and Outreach (SCEO). All external-facing projects will be collaborations between DNB and SCEO.

Relocation is required for candidates residing outside of the Memphis area. Relocation assistance will be provided.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Planning. Works with the Chair and Leadership Team to develop a strategic science communication plan that aligns with St. Jude’s guidelines Editorial Management. Serves as the editorial manager and liaison with SCEO for department-level science communication projects Support Services. Provides DNB faculty, staff, and students with writing, editing, and other science communication services Researcher Training. Trains researchers on the best practices of science communication, including impactful presentations and plain-language writing Support editorial and publication activities as directed, including review and editing of manuscripts for scientific journals, grant applications, and other scientific documents, and production of institutional publications, such as the annual Scientific Report. Provide advice to authors (e.g., faculty, staff, fellows, and students) about effective approach, presentation, and publication/submission strategies. Track and report progress on editorial projects. Support development and presentation of seminars or other educational opportunities for St. Jude investigators. Participate in meetings of local and national editorial and related organizations to acquire new information and improve editing skills. Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution. Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training

Master's degree in life sciences or a related field required.

Preferred Training and/or Experience

PhD preferred. Master’s degree or equivalent from a Science Communication program. 5+ years in journalism, public information officer or related field. Experience with posting to SharePoint or other website platforms. Social Media management experience.

Minimum Experience

Minimum requirement: 2+ years of experience as a scientific editor or relevant research and publication. Experience in the construction of scientific documents (journal articles or grant applications) preferred. Experience in experimental design; statistical principles; effective display of scientific data; and publication policies, procedures, and ethics. Experience in the construction of NIH grant applications preferred.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only

ELS (Editor in the Life Sciences) certification by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $70,720 - $126,880 per year for the role of Science Research Writer - Department of Developmental Neurobiology. Explore our exceptional benefits! We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer No Search Firms St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.