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Harvard Medical School · 1 day ago

Science Writer

Boston, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Harvard Medical School is seeking a Science Writer to join its Office of Communications and External Relations. The role involves creating compelling content about biomedical research and the contributions of the Harvard Medicine community, while collaborating with various teams to ensure effective communication and outreach.

Education

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Explore, understand, distill, and write and produce content about basic, translational, and clinical research in a concise, compelling way that captivates target audiences while upholding scientific integrity and accuracy

Work with the Editorial Director, and with other editors as appropriate (e.g., the editor of Harvard Medicine magazine and the social media team), on story approach, treatment, rationale for coverage, and review

Write news releases, research briefs, profiles, feature articles, Q&As, photo captions, and other content that is on deadline and meets monthly tally goals, tailored to key audiences and channels (news website, magazine, newsletters, social media, video, podcasts, etc.), and aligned with OCER’s editorial and communications strategy

Cover the School’s education, service, leadership, and other non-science news and features as assigned

May be asked to attend and cover local events within or outside business hours

Manage assigned beats from among our on-campus basic and social science departments, institutional priorities, and affiliated hospitals and research institutions

Assess news releases and other content from affiliate beats against OCER’s news rubric and edit (“repurpose”) select articles for posting on HMS channels

Build and nurture relationships with faculty, trainees, students, staff, and other appropriate sources and proactively enterprise story ideas

Provide counsel to faculty, trainees, and students on communication best practices and procedures, including appropriate levels of coverage and timing for news content and how to most effectively communicate their work to external audiences

Produce, or collaborate with other OCER teams to produce, multimedia such as short videos, photo galleries and audio clips

Collaborate with OCER social media team to produce social media-friendly content that stands alone or complements or promotes new articles

Work with the Senior Director of Media Relations to share content proactively with news media outlets, arrange interviews with beat contacts, and train members of the HMS community on how to work with the media

Collaborate with communications colleagues across the office, School, University, and affiliated hospitals to help ensure consistent, clear, and accurate messaging

Contribute to editorial and production calendars to help organize, plan, and track content

Serve as a backup for copyediting colleagues’ content as assigned

Research, draft, and consult on executive speeches and talking points as needed

Additional duties as assigned

Qualification

Science writingStorytellingAP style proficiencyBiomedical research familiarityContent creationMicrosoft OfficeAdobe AcrobatDrupalPhotoshopAudio editingVideo editingOrganizational skillsTime managementTeam playerCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required

Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Demonstrated ability to grasp and interpret peer-reviewed research, including basic science; gather information, conduct background research and effective interviews, write effectively and efficiently on deadline, edit, fact-check, and secure source approvals; and translate complex information—especially scientific content—into plain language for both lay and scientific audiences

Strong track record of working diligently and meeting monthly content tallies

Excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and ensure timely production of content under the pressure of last-minute deadlines and changing priorities

Team player who has a positive attitude and is solutions-oriented. Ability to build and sustain rapport with colleagues and stakeholders

Skilled in navigating organizational boundaries and collaborating effectively

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and Adobe Acrobat

Preferred

Advanced degree preferred, along with a strong background in science writing, storytelling, and editing at an academic institution, within the biomedical industry, or for a news outlet

Proficiency in AP style

Familiarity working with biomedical researchers, academic and scientific leaders, and alumni and donor communities beneficial

Experience creating compelling content across formats—text, audio, video, and emerging technologies—and tailoring to target audiences preferred

Demonstrated commitment to Harvard Medical School's work, mission, and community values

Experience with Drupal or similar content management system, Photoshop, AirTable, and audio and/or video editing and production experience helpful

Benefits

Generous paid time off including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one

Retirement plans with university contributions

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Support for families and caregivers

Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Company

Harvard Medical School

Glassdoor4.2

At Harvard Medical School, our mission is to create and nurture a diverse community of the best people committed to leadership in alleviating human suffering caused by disease.

Founded in 1782

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

10001+ employees