Senior Science Writer

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading institution as a Senior Science Writer, where your storytelling skills will shine. In this pivotal role, you'll craft compelling narratives that highlight the achievements and innovations of the UC Irvine School of Medicine. Your work will encompass writing and editing a variety of content, from press releases to social media posts, ensuring that the voice and mission of the institution resonate with diverse audiences. Collaborate with a dynamic communications team and contribute to impactful projects that enhance the school's reputation and outreach. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the academic and medical community while enjoying the flexibility of a remote/hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Sick and Vacation Time

Retirement Savings Plans

Discounts and Perks

Qualifications

• Advanced writing and editing skills with a focus on clarity and engagement.
• In-depth knowledge of communication strategies for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Craft engaging content for various platforms to promote the School of Medicine.
• Research and write high-level communications on complex topics.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Research

Interpersonal Communication

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Fact Verification

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Advanced Degree in relevant field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Social Media Platforms

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The UC Irvine School of Medicine's Office of Communications and Public Relations has a team of seven who works within the Dean's Office to support the school's demanding communication needs. Under the supervision of the Director of Communications and Public Relations, this new Senior Science Writer position will serve as the lead writer, editor, content creator and storyteller for the UC Irvine School of Medicine. The Senior Science Writer will craft compelling and engaging written content that shares our story, supports our brand and promotes our faculty, students, alumni, community, research, departments and programs. Typical job duties will include writing and editing news and feature stories, press releases, profiles, newsletters, scripts, and talking points for leadership. The position will also assist with the development and editing of marketing copy for the website, internal communications for the Dean's Office, social media channels and School of Medicine events. This will be a remote/hybrid position that may require attending some evening and weekend events on and off campus.

Your Role on the Team

This new Senior Science Writer position will be responsible for researching, writing and/or editing high-level communications, publications, and/or reports with complex or sensitive subject matter for audiences that are either broad or highly influential. The role requires subject-matter expertise and an in-depth understanding of various audiences and the communication strategies that will best serve the institution. Work is of considerable difficulty and may require political acumen and sensitivity.

The Senior Science Writer applies skills as a seasoned medical and/or scientific writer who can develop and edit a variety of comprehensive and complex content and material for internal and external audiences. The writer will be able to distill studies, research, news and events into language that’s informative, engaging and aligned with the UCI School of Medicine’s voice and mission for internal and external audiences. The writer should understand how to research, select sources for and conduct interviews, and ensure accuracy of written pieces. The writer will also work collaboratively with a communications team that oversees and supports the communications and public relations efforts of the entire UCI School of Medicine, working closely with UCI Health and the UC Irvine College of Health Sciences.

What It Takes to be Successful

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Required:

• Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation and advanced skills to write clear, lively, engaging, compelling and effective copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and the broader public.
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines, including AP style.
• Advanced, in-depth knowledge of the location, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies.
• Advanced knowledge of issues in higher education, a specialized academic discipline or field and/or health sciences.
• Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, and/or web production.
• Advanced skill in taking initiative to creatively identify and pitch story ideas to senior management and clients.
• Advanced research and fact verification skills.
• Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced project management, organizational and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills.
• Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software and use of various social media platforms.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization