Senior Editor

University of Rochester; Rochester (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute seeks a Senior Science Editor to elevate research visibility through storytelling, media relations, and editorial content.

As the primary communications partner for researchers and leadership, you will translate complex discoveries into accessible stories, develop communications strategies, prepare faculty for media, and oversee editorial planning for Wilmot's flagship publication, collaborating across UR Medicine and URochester.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 5 years in newspaper, magazine writing or PR preferred.
• Master's degree in Journalism, Science Writing, Communications, Public Health, or scientific discipline preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify stories, interview researchers, write news releases, feature stories, web content, grant announcements, and research profiles.
• Develop media strategies and coordinate interviews and briefings; prepare faculty for media engagement.
• Editorial planning and production of Wilmot's flagship research publication; manage vendors and deadlines.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Storytelling

Media relations

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Content Management Systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 900012 Public Relations & Comns MC

Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URG 110

Compensation Range: $61,000.00 - $85,400.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Senior Science Editor is a strategic communications professional responsible for elevating the visibility and reputation of Wilmot Cancer Institute's research enterprise through compelling storytelling, proactive media relations, and high-impact editorial content. This role serves as the primary communications partner for Wilmot researchers and scientific leadership, translating complex discoveries into accessible stories that engage the public, strengthen institutional reputation, and support the institute's research mission. Working collaboratively across the University of Rochester and University of Rochester Medicine, the Senior Science Editor develops communications strategies for major scientific advances, prepares faculty for media engagement, and leads the editorial planning and production of Wilmot's flagship research publication. Through trusted relationships with investigators, national media outreach, and strategic content development, this position helps position Wilmot as a national leader in cancer research and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Research Communications & Science Writing - Identifying stories, interviewing researchers, writing news releases, feature stories, web content, grant announcements, and research profiles.

Media Relations & Faculty Media Training - Developing media strategies, pitching national and regional media, coordinating interviews and press briefings, preparing faculty and leadership for interviews.

Editorial Leadership – Dialogue Magazine - Editorial planning, story development, production management, vendor coordination, photography, design schedule, printing, mailing, and quality control.

Strategic Collaboration & Research Engagement - Building relationships with research program leaders, collaborating across URochester Medicine and the University of Rochester, attending research meetings, identifying communications opportunities, and advising leadership.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience in newspaper, magazine writing or other public relations activity required (Journalism, Communications, English, Public Relations, Life Sciences preferred)
• Master's degree in Journalism, Science Writing, Communications, Public Health, or a scientific discipline preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred:

• Five to seven years of experience in science writing, science journalism, research communications, healthcare communications, or public relations, preferably within an academic medical center, research institution, healthcare organization, or higher education environment.
• Experience developing media strategies and securing earned media coverage for scientific discoveries, research initiatives, or healthcare organizations.
• Experience interviewing researchers, physicians, or scientific experts and developing trusted working relationships with subject matter experts.
• Experience managing complex editorial projects or publications from concept through production preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Preferred:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex scientific and medical information for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of science communication, media relations, and strategic communications principles.
• Ability to develop relationships with researchers, faculty, institutional leaders, and media representatives.
• Strong interviewing, critical thinking, and editorial judgment skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop and execute proactive communications strategies that enhance institutional reputation.
• Knowledge of research publishing, academic medicine, or biomedical research environments preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, content management systems

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.