Science Writer, Health Sciences Office of Communications

The University of Arizona Health Sciences; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 59,404 - 74,254; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and disability programs

Paid vacation and sick leave

Tuition reduction for employee and family

Access to recreation and cultural activities

Job summary

A leading academic medical center in Tucson, Arizona, is seeking a Science Writer to manage and communicate significant research and initiatives. This role requires overseeing interactions with media, drafting engaging stories, and training researchers on effective communication strategies. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in science writing or media relations. The position offers comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary range from $59,404 to $74,254.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent.
• Familiarity with academic research processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee communication of research findings to various audiences.
• Manage relationships with journalists and researchers.
• Conduct trainings on effective science communication.

Skills

Science writing

Communication

Media relations

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, English, or related field

Master’s degree or PhD in a science-related field or science communication

Job description

Position Highlights

The Science Writer oversees the timely and effective communication of major University of Arizona Health Sciences initiatives and research findings to local, national and international news media, as well as legislators, members of the public and university employees, students, alumni and key stakeholders. Writes and edits engaging stories and news releases about University of Arizona Health Sciences research, translating complex scientific information into understandable and appealing news content that advances the visibility and reputation of the University of Arizona Health Sciences as a leading academic medical center. Manages interactions with researchers, partner institutions, journalists and key stakeholders, and provides education and training to Health Sciences researchers and communications professionals on effective science communications and media relations tactics. Assists with strategic communication planning efforts around high-profile, large-scale science initiatives that distinguish the University of Arizona Health Sciences from its peers.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision
insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid
vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for
the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans;
access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative
work-life programs. For more information about working at the
University of Arizona and relocations services, pleaseclick
here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake scientific communications efforts for newsworthy research from peer-reviewed scientific journals and similar sources.
• Strategically pitch and place University of Arizona Health Sciences science stories and experts in local, national and international news media outlets and manage relationships with science reporters, editors and producers, as well as campus experts in a variety of scientific disciplines.
• Serve as a liaison with local, national and international research partners, including other universities and funding agencies, to ensure strategic, coordinated and cohesive communication of science news that involves multiple entities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, advising and leading trainings for researchers and communications professionals on how to effectively communicate science and work with the University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Communications and members of the news media. Share expertise with the larger Office of Communications team to make science interesting and consumable to larger audiences via various communication and multimedia channels.
• Collaborate with co-workers to develop communication plans and social media strategies to support the University of Arizona Health Sciences strategic initiatives and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, English, or a related field
  with a focus on science writing or technical communication.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or PhD in a science-related field or science communication.
• Three (3) years direct experience in science writing, freelance work or publications in scientific journals, popular science magazines or online platforms.
• Experience in academic research: Familiarity with academic research processes and the ability to interpret and translate complex scientific concepts for a general audience.
• Ability to write clearly and engagingly about scientific topics for various audiences as demonstrated by professional portfolio or writing sample.

FLSA:Exempt

Full Time/Part Time:Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week:40

Job FTE:1.0

Work Calendar:Fiscal

Job Category:Communication and Marketing

Benefits Eligible:Yes – Full Benefits

Rate of Pay:$59,404 – $74,254

Compensation Type:salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

8

Compensation Guidance

TheRate of Pay Fieldrepresents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

TheGrade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fieldslisted below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review ourApplicant Compensation Guideand ourTotal Rewards Calculator.

Grade Range Minimum

$59404

Grade Range Midpoint

$74254

Grade Range Maximum

$89105

Career Stream and Level

PC3

Job Family

Media Relations

Job Function

Communications & Marketing

Type of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies:1

Contact Information for Candidates

Lisa Black |[e-mail]

Open Until Filled:Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please submit the following documents with your application:

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

3) A copy of your portfolio or a writing sample

Please note: If invited to interview, please be prepared to provide three (3) professional references.

Diversity Statement

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases anAnnual Security Report (ASR)for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office [e-mail].