Science Writer/Editor: AI & Neuroscience Storyteller

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Kempner Institute seeks a Science Writer/Editor to illuminate research and impact. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will craft stories, press materials, and donor reports, translating complex science into engaging content for scientific and general audiences.

Responsibilities include independent idea generation, developing relationships with faculty and students, and collaborating with HPAC to elevate editorial work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 4+ years of science news writing or comparable journalism experience.

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and write original news stories, press releases, profiles, Q&A, feature articles, social media posts, donor reports, and other deadline-driven content that supports the Institute’s priorities.
• Translate complex basic and translational research and interdisciplinary AI/neuroscience themes into compelling narratives accessible to both scientific and general audiences.
• Produce publish‑ready content that upholds the highest standards of news judgement, reporting, writing quality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Independently collect and generate story ideas, maintaining robust coverage for the Kempner website, social media accounts, newsletter, and other Harvard publications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, researchers, and students across the Institute.
• Collaborate closely with communications colleagues across the University to promote and elevate the Institute’s editorial work.
• Navigate multiple constituencies with patience and diplomacy to ensure all materials meet institutional standards and audience needs.
• Manage the Institute’s social media channels (X, Bluesky and Linkedin); shape and implement social media strategy for online growth; and produce brand-aligned content that stands alone or promotes news articles.
• Serve as a backup copy editor for colleagues’ content as assigned.

Skills

Storytelling

News judgement

Translate complex topics

Interviews

Editing

Attention to detail

Time management

Collaboration

Diplomacy

Tech fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

WordPress or similar CMS

Job description

Harvard University’s Kempner Institute seeks a Science Writer/Editor to illuminate research and impact. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will craft stories, press materials, and donor reports, translating complex science into engaging content for scientific and general audiences.

Responsibilities include independent idea generation, developing relationships with faculty and students, and collaborating with HPAC to elevate editorial work.