Job Details
Posting Number: PG194771EP
Internal Recruitment: No
Working Title: Science Writer
Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,000 - $75,000
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; with occasional nights and weekends for events as needed.
Job Location: Raleigh, NC
Department: College Of Veterinary Medicine
About the Department
The mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is to enhance animal and human health and well-being through the education and advanced training of veterinarians and comparative biomedical scientists, and provide leadership in veterinary care, biomedical research and outreach through innovation and interdisciplinary partnerships. The mission contributes to developing and sustaining North Carolina and global economies and advancing the profession.
The college’s Communications and Marketing Team advances the mission and visibility of the CVM through strategic storytelling across web, social media, video, design, and media relations, in alignment with NC State brand standards. The science writer is a key member of this team, translating the college’s research and discoveries into accessible stories for the public, students, donors, and the scientific community.
Essential Job Duties
The Science Writer translates the College of Veterinary Medicine’s research into clear, compelling stories for the public, prospective students, donors, and academic and professional audiences. The position takes complex, peer-reviewed science and turns it into accessible features, research highlights, news releases, and multimedia scripts that advance the mission and visibility of the CVM.
As part of the Communications and Marketing Team, the Science Writer is the college’s bridge between the laboratory and the broader community. Through interviews with faculty, clinicians, and researchers, the writer surfaces the human and scientific stories behind the college’s discoveries and shares them with the world, bringing journalistic rigor, factual precision, and editorial judgment to every assignment.
Key Responsibilities:
Communication:
- Write effective, influential copy for projects across a variety of media, with a strong emphasis on established and emerging digital media.
- Distill complex academic, scientific, and technical research into compelling copy that can be understood by a general audience.
- Contribute strategic copy concepts and ideas while delivering copy for small and large assignments on time and relentlessly on brand.
- Work across multiple disciplines to develop the right messages at the right time to support strategic goals and business objectives.
- Apply exceptional editing skills to content produced by the writer and by others.
Project Management:
- Thrive in a fast-paced, self-starter environment, managing multiple assignments and competing deadlines.
- Contribute to and collaborate with dynamic teams of designers, digital media specialists, photographers, and project leaders.
Professional Knowledge:
- Possess a designated level of professional skill and knowledge in science and research writing.
- Maintain professional contacts and consult with faculty and department leadership on publicizing and promoting their research.
- Stay current with developments and trends in research communications and maintain professional credentials.
- Apply AP Style across all content.
Knowledge and Skills
- Expert Communication & Editing: Advanced mastery of English grammar, editing, and AP Style, with strong interviewing, fact-checking, and proofreading skills.
- Complex Science Translation: Proven ability to translate complex scientific, academic, and biomedical research into clear, compelling narratives for public audiences.
- Digital & Accessibility Standards: Working knowledge of plain language, SEO/AEO (search/answer engine optimization), and digital accessibility standards (ADA Title II/WCAG).
- Project & Time Management: Self-starter who can manage multiple deadlines, track assignments via editorial calendars, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative & Academic Acumen: Skilled at building trust with faculty, clinicians, and researchers, and collaborating effectively with multimedia creative teams.
- Institutional & Media Knowledge: Familiarity with NC State brand standards, science journalism, media relations, and evolving trends in research communications.
Other Responsibilities
Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex academic, scientific, or medical information into clear, accurate content for general audiences.
- Considerable knowledge of English grammar, composition, and AP Style, with strong editing and proofreading skills, alongside strong research, interviewing, and fact-checking skills.
- Experience writing for digital platforms, including familiarity with SEO, AEO, web usability, and digital accessibility standards, and knowledge of NC State brand guidelines.
- Five or more years of professional writing experience, including at least three years producing science-focused or research content.
- Experience writing in a research university, academic medical center, or biomedical research setting, with established relationships with science and health media.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
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