Associate Science Writer

• Serve as a scientific writer, editor and source for content planning for a wide variety of Communications and Marketing Department efforts, particularly research-focused editorial. 
• Write and edit scientific and research-related content for Inside the Institute, Paths of Progress, Turning Point, DFCI Online, dana-farber.org, Insight blog, Social Media, and other channels.
• Write, ghost write, and edit materials for a wide array of non-publication projects, including letters, memos, scientific symposia, research seminars, organizational changes within DF/HCC, trends in research and care.
• Support Executive Communications efforts with writing and editing assignments as needed.
• In collaboration with video team, develop audio and video content that promotes understanding and support of Dana-Farber research
• Work with web team to organize, develop, write, and edit content for assigned sections of the different Dana-Farber web sites.
• Support Science Writer(s) and  Senior Science Writer(s) in the evaluation of research papers to determine their applicability for various owned channels
• Working with Science Writer(s) and Senior Science Writer(s), develop story ideas and press releases relating to research published in major scientific journals and other work in progress throughout the Institute.
• Edit and/or proofread stories and press releases.
• Maintain contact with assigned scientific, clinical and administrative staff in all areas of the Institute to stay current with breaking research and major events.
• Keep abreast of major advances and trends in the fields of cancer research treatment and prevention.

PATIENT CONTACT:

Limited. Some stories will involve interviewing patients either over the phone or in person.

• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, writing, or related field and/or a scientific discipline required.
• 2 years of professional writing or publications experience, with a strong portfolio of science writing required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Ability to build relationships with senior-level scientists and clinical investigators.
• Strong narrative writing, perceptive and probing interview skills.
• Ability to write thoughtfully and prolifically under tight deadline pressure, translating difficult science into clear language for lay audiences.
• Ability to relate technical material in a variety of fields—administration, human resources, facilities and finance—in a style that is easily comprehensible to general readers. Editorial vision to know what is informative, interesting and important.
• Ability to research and obtain scientific background material from sources ranging from libraries to the Internet.
• Excellent knowledge of grammar and spelling.
• Skill at developing rapport with staff at all levels of the Institute and building a reliable network of contacts and sources.
• Capacity to edit and revise researchers’ copy, improving readability while ensuring
• Versatility to modify writing style for different audiences and purposes.
• Familiarity with marketing and fundraising communications.
• Ability to negotiate and be diplomatic, especially during the text-clearing process which may involve working with several administrators with competing requests for edits.
• Understanding and ability to conduct audio and video interviews.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply. 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.   

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