"Science Writer"

Science Writer

Company:

The University of Arizona

Job Location:

Tucson, 85724

Category:

Publications and Editing

Type:

Full-Time

Posting Number: req24380

Department: Communications

Location: To Be Determined

Address: USA

Position Highlights

Under direction of the Director, News Content and Communications Senior Writer, the Science Writer helps to identify, compose and edit engaging stories and news releases about research at the University of Arizona that translate complex scientific information into understandable and appealing news for external media while also developing relationships with key stakeholders.

Candidates working anywhere in the U.S. may be considered for a remote assignment.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Under direction of supervisor, assist with composing compelling and accurate stories about newsworthy research from peer-reviewed scientific journals and similar sources; and place those stories with local, national, and international news media.
• Participate in pitching stories and identifying experts, researchers across a variety of disciplines.
• Assist with keeping track of publication timelines.
• Develop relationships with science reporters, editors, and producers to anticipate coverage and place and pitch stories and university experts.
• Assist supervisor and team with the placement of University research news with local, national, and international news outlets.
• Provide regular updates to the direct supervisor of media requests from news outlets looking for university scientific experts.
• Work with the larger team to provide copy, visual assets and expertise to make science interesting and consumable to larger audiences.
• This position will also be responsible for communication-related activities determined by the AVP of External Communications related to promoting and communicating about the University of Arizona as a Tier 1 Research institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex topics and research into a compelling story about the vale and impact of the work for lay audiences.
• Excellent grammar, writing, editing, and research skills; project management skills; ability to handle multiple projects with short- and long-term deadlines; good communication skills; an ability to work with diverse constituencies and audiences.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Ability to work effectively under deadline and establish and meet critical timelines.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Science or related field and at least three years of professional news-writing and editing experience.
• Unique blend of journalism, copy writing and news judgment with experience developing relationships with international, national, trade, and state news media.
• Track record of news media placements that feature scientific discoveries and advances from refereed scientific journals.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Communication and Marketing

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $47,356 - $59,195

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 6

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

The grade range for this position is $47,356 - $71,034. Each unit typically sets starting pay between the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Pay field above.

Career Stream and Level PC1

Job Family Content Development

Job Function Communications & Marketing

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Mieczyslaw Zak | mitchzak@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please upload your Writing Sample under "Additional Document."

The application window is anticipated to close on November 24, 2025.