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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL

Science Writer Coordinator - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, Urbana, Illinois, United States, 61801


Science Writer Coordinator / Science Writer Manager

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

This is a multi-level, single hire search. The salary and title offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Job Summary

Produce written science content, provide editorial services, and proactively identify opportunities to promote content that elevates the research portfolio of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology in coordination with IGB leadership, staff, faculty, students, and community members. Work collaboratively and creatively to successfully complete large-scale projects, work independently to manage competing priorities, solve problems, and stay current with science and technology developments. Write, edit, and promote scientific communications, publications, press releases, news, feature stories, and related content for print and web. Establish relationships with IGB faculty, affiliates, postdoctoral researchers, and students, and integrate efforts with the Communications and Outreach team.

Duties & Responsibilities

(Science Writer Coordinator)

* Create and edit content for print and online publication. This includes articles on scientific research and researchers; coverage of events; interviews with researchers; creating press releases on awards, grants, and developments, and related responsibilities. * Work with Institute faculty to develop new sections for and to proof completed grant proposals. * Review and summarize publications in peer-reviewed journals for understanding to a broad public audience. * Write and edit science content to be used for outreach and education for a variety of venues, including online platforms, public events, targeted workshops, displays, and presentations. * Support communications functions by developing a variety of materials for print, web, and social that increase the visibility, impact, and awareness of IGB efforts. * Distribute written content via a press release service and manage communications to share content with affiliated campus units.

(Science Writer Manager)

* Research, create and edit content for print and online publication. This includes articles on scientific research and researchers; coverage of events; interviews with researchers; social media content; creating press releases on awards, grants, and developments, and related responsibilities. * Manage responsibilities for science writer fellows, coordinators, and external contributors. * Work with Institute faculty to develop new sections for and to proof completed grant proposals. * Identify and coordinate coverage of relevant research developments and publications by IGB members and affiliates. * Develop appropriate copy for external relations, industry partners, and prospects to inform and foster relationships. * Review and summarize publications in peer-reviewed journals for understanding to a broad public audience. * Write and edit science content to be used for outreach and education for a variety of venues, including online platforms, public events, targeted workshops, displays, and presentations. * Create audience-appropriate descriptions and messaging for content utilized by the outreach group. * Support communications functions by developing a variety of materials for print, web, and social that increase the visibility, impact, and awareness of IGB efforts. * Distribute written content via a press release service and manage communications to share content with affiliated campus units.

Minimum Qualifications (Science Writer Coordinator)

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.

One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media. Demonstrated experience creating content for print and/or online publication that includes scientific writing.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or higher.

Three years of experience in journalism and STEM field experience.

One year of experience in scientific writing.

Experience in proposal writing, editing, and producing content accessible to a wide variety of audiences.

Minimum Qualifications (Science Writer Manager)

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.

Five (5) years (60 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media. Demonstrated experience creating content for print and/or online publication that includes scientific writing.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or higher.

Seven (7) years of experience in journalism and STEM field experience.

Five (5) years of experience in scientific writing. Experience in proposal writing, editing, and producing content accessible to a wide variety of audiences.

Demonstrated experience with grant proposals and scientific publications.

Demonstrated experience working in academia or with academic institutions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Excellent writing, interpersonal, and oral communication skills with proven ability to present, write, edit, and organize thoughts in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. * Deadline-driven, as day-to-day work requires the ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects, work well under tight deadlines, and be prepared to respond quickly with agility to shifting priorities. * Consistency in quality, tone and style, following university brand and editorial standards. * Basic knowledge of life sciences and journalism practices. * Strong editorial and proofing skills and knowledge of AP style.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5006 - Public Information Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/16/2025. The salary range for the Science Writer Coordinator level is $60,000 to $70,000. The salary range for the Science Writer Manager level is $70,000 to $85,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position will be subject to annual performance reviews, continued availability of funds, compliance with university policy, and upholding IGB's commitment to providing an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 6, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1028176

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu