Science Writer

ucar; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UCAR in Boulder, CO seeks a Science Writer to translate research into compelling stories for broad audiences, including the public, media, and policymakers.

You will cultivate relationships with scientists and staff, identify strong story hooks, and create outputs across news releases, web content, and leadership materials, while expanding into video or podcasts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field.
• Six years of writing and/or editing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable writing and editing skills.
• Ability to interview scientific and technical professionals effectively.
• Ability to present Earth system science clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop stories by building relationships with scientists, leadership, and staff to find strong story hooks.
• Translate research into communications products: news releases, talking points, web content, brochures, newsletters, etc.
• Explore new formats (video, podcasts, infographics) to extend storytelling reach.
• Edit materials produced by the Communications Office and other groups.
• Consult with Government Relations and External Engagement to tailor messages for audiences.
• Train scientists to communicate their work with impact and clarity.
• Back up other roles in the Communications Office as needed.

Skills

Strong writing & editing skills

Excellent interviewing skills

Interpersonal skills

Audience-focused communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field

Job description

Position Type: Regular

Visa Sponsored Job: No

Relocation Assistance Eligible: No

Hiring Range: 72,082.00 USD - 90,103.00 USD *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 12:00am MST on: 2026-10-12

About the Role

The Science Writer supports the missions of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF | NCAR) by translating our work into compelling stories that showcase the value of our research to the nation and the world for a wide variety of audiences.

Under the direction of the Manager of Science Communications, the Science Writer is responsible for cultivating relationships with scientists and staff across the organization, identifying research and other work that have strong story hooks, and translating that work into communications products that resonate with our key audiences, which include the general public, media, policymakers, potential funders, end users, community managers, and others.

The Science Writer collaborates with other members of the Communications Office to extend the way we tell our story, expanding our storytelling efforts beyond traditional news releases and web stories to possibly include video, audio, or other formats.

Job Description

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 12 am MDT (at the beginning of) Monday, October 12, 2026 .

Required application materials: (preferably uploaded as a PDF)

• Resume
• Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).
• Questionnaire (embedded in the application)

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more .

Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Story Development

• Stays informed about recent research directions, findings, and breakthroughs by building strong relationships with scientists, leadership, and other staff across the organization.
• Identifies research, projects, and other work that is well suited for coverage by the Communications Office in support of the organization's strategic goals.
• Works to understand the fundamentals of Earth system science so that research findings can be put into the appropriate context and so that progress can be communicated accurately and with as much impact as possible.

Writing and Editing

• Translates technical research into compelling stories that are aimed at specific audiences to meet clear goals. Produces a wide variety of communications products, including news releases, leadership talking points, web content, brochures, one-pagers, newsletters, and more.
• Thinks beyond the traditional news release and web story to find creative ways to communicate the value of our science. This could include videos, podcasts, infographics, or other new media platforms.
• Edits other stories and materials produced by both the Communications Office and by other groups across NSF NCAR and UCAR.

Communications Training and Consulting

• Consults and collaborates with other externally facing groups - including Government Relations, External Engagement, Business Relations, and others - to identify goals and to tailor effective messages for specific audiences.
• Helps implement a variety of formal and informal trainings that help scientists better communicate their own work, including how to create effective talking points, tailor their message, implement best practices for presentations, and work with the news media.

Other Duties as Assigned

Backs up a number of other roles in the Communications Office as needs arise.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field;
• six years of writing and/or editing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable writing and editing skills
• Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, Earth system science and the ability to explain its importance and value to society
• Excellent skill at interviewing scientific and technical professionals
• Ability to identify, gather, understand, assimilate, and coordinate complex scientific and technical information and to articulate it clearly and accurately for multiple audiences across multiple platforms
• Ability to identify and articulate what research is newsworthy and can help us tell our story in support of our mission
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with scientists and staff
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