"CIDRAP News Editor, Writer"

About the Job

Specialized infectious disease science writer, reporter, copy editor, and web content manager. Conduct critical, timely review and analysis of scientific and public policy information dealing with timely, high-impact, and at times controversial public health issues. Distill highly technical material into policy-influencing news. Conduct probes into emerging infectious disease threats like outbreaks and bioterror dangers. Translate and synthesize scientific data and results into authoritative, relevant information. Develop story ideas and work collaboratively with the news team. Write, edit, and publish news stories for the CIDRAP News website at www.cidrap.umn.edu. Assist with diverse project reports, papers, and other writing/editing assignments. Position significantly contributes to achieving CIDRAP’s mission to "prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions."

Frequently cited by the world’s leading public health and safety organizations, CIDRAP News provides expertise and synthesis via timely email alerts and around-the-clock access to detailed information on CIDRAP’s website. CIDRAP News has published thousands of policy-influencing, action-oriented news items on a wide range of infectious disease incidents and policy decisions. CIDRAP News articles are frequently circulated among top levels of US and international governments and are frequently cited on leading public health communications across the globe.

Duties and Essential functions:

1. News gathering and writing: Research, vet, and recommend potential news story and news brief ideas. (60%)

   • Investigate, conduct interviews, analyze the latest information, and write specialized, high-impact news stories and briefs each day on new infectious disease incidents and emerging issues affecting the public’s health.
   • Write in-depth analysis pieces on timely controversial or complicated issues. Research and make decisions about accompanying topical photos, pathogen micrographs, and other images to enhance published material.
   • Interview leading experts in the field and key policymakers as needed.

2. Editorial Work: Edit CIDRAP publications, journals, papers, and communications as needed. (20%)

   • Participate in editorial-related meetings and assist in general editorial direction of CIDRAP News.

3. News Publishing and Other Technical Tasks: (10%)

   • Use Web content management platform to load stories and images, write display copy, update home page features, and send daily newsletter pushes.
   • Make decisions about the presentation of web material on the home page and elsewhere.
   • Compile and create topical information as needs arise.

4. Social media and other communications: (5%)

   • Help maintain and enhance CIDRAP social media presence.
   • Help focus CIDRAP’s web and social media strategies and explore other social networking opportunities.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by Management: (5%)

   • Flexibility to adapt to ad-hoc requests.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or related field
• Minimum 4 years of professional communications experience in health or medical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Ability to make timely editorial decisions on website material.
• Excellent reporting, writing, editing, photo editing, and web publishing skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and show flexibility under tight deadlines.
• Experience in covering infectious diseases and other relevant topics
• Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability to: (1) produce clear, concise scientific writing; (2) convey technical material in a comprehensible and intelligible way to a range of professional and lay audiences; (3) synthesize complex information accurately; and (4) write content appropriate for professional publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit professional interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills (as evidenced by working on cross-disciplinary teams).
• Ability to complete work accurately and independently
• Availability to travel several times per year

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education / non-profit research environment
• Deep interest in emerging infectious diseases and public health; track record of excellent investigative reporting, science journalism, and research skills; proven ability to operate among a fast-moving, cutting-edge, enjoyable group of professionals; ability to cultivate news sources and stay abreast of developing stories; demonstrated vision; experience with social media messaging.

About the Department

The mission of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), which is part of the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), is to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions. CIDRAP addresses a variety of international and national public health policy issues related to the prevention and control of infectious diseases through various projects, including vaccine-related issues; emerging infectious disease threats; development of R&D roadmaps for coronavirus, influenza, Ebola/Marburg, Nipah, Lassa, and Zika virus vaccines; antimicrobial resistance and stewardship; chronic wasting disease; and bioterrorism/pandemic/emergency preparedness. CIDRAP has a strong Web and communication presence through the CIDRAP website, CIDRAP daily newsletters, podcasts, and webinars. National and international experts alike turn to CIDRAP for the latest information on COVID-19, influenza, and other crucial emerging infectious diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $82,000 - $97,500 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program; Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts; University HSA contributions; Disability and employer-paid life insurance; Employee wellbeing program; Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity; Financial counseling services; Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost; Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.