Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The senior medical sciences writer is a captivating storyteller and an expert communicator who possesses an exceptional ability to translate the latest research and medical advances at WashU Medicine into compelling language geared to stakeholder audiences, including the media and the general public, and in support of the medical school’s strategic priorities and initiatives. The science writer possesses a sophisticated knowledge of science and medicine and is responsible for writing engaging, lay-language press releases and news stories to publicize WashU Medicine’s impact and innovations in patient care, research, medical education, community outreach and commercialization. The science writer also must have feature-writing skills to craft stories about the many people who make WashU Medicine the inspiring institution it is.
The writer must build strong relationships and work closely with WashU Medicine leadership, faculty physicians and researchers, and department-level communications and marketing partners to proactively identify, write and promote stories that enhance the brand and reputation of WashU Medicine and that support University Marketing & Communications and University Advancement. The writer should have professional experience in science and medical writing, be an attentive consumer of science and medical news, and be a creative, strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Proactively interview medical school leadership, faculty physicians and researchers, trainees, students and staff members and write press releases, news stories and feature articles for general audiences, including the public and reporters at international, national and regional news outlets, wire services and online media. Press releases are based largely on research published in major science and medical journals, and the school’s strategic priorities and initiatives. Writer also will produce mission-driven stories for publications including Washington magazine and Outlook magazine.
- Develop and nurture relationships with WashU Medicine leadership, faculty physicians and researchers, and department-level communications partners for the purpose of identifying and writing stories that highlight the school’s strategic initiatives, clinical leadership and innovations, and staying informed on WashU Medicine’s scientific and medical discoveries, advances, new treatments and technologies.
- Read scientific literature with fluency and evaluate in-press journal articles by faculty to assess newsworthiness for news media and the general public, and keep abreast of news and trends in science and medicine.
- Partner with the office’s marketing team to tell stories via other channels, such as video, graphics, photography, animation or social media, that aid in WashU Medicine’s marketing and branding efforts. Work closely with department marketing partners to help plan, produce and fact check communications materials.
- Collaborate with the media relations team to help identify stories and faculty experts in subject matters of interest to the media and the public.
Applicant Special Instructions
- Please submit a resume, cover letter and five examples of published science and/or medical writing such as press releases and/or feature stories at the time of application.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Physical Effort
Equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Professional Writing In Science And/Or Medicine For Media Or Public Relations (7 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in journalism, communications or the sciences.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive communications for lay audiences.
- Experience in higher education or health care.
- Demonstrates creativity in writing and communications strategy.
- Demonstrates accuracy and commitment to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications:
No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
Communications Strategy, Creative Approaches, Deadline Management, Detail-Oriented, Editorial Editing, Healthcare Environments, High Accuracy, Interview Techniques, Media Relations, Medical Writing, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, News Judgment, Persuasive Writing, Press Releases, Prioritization, Science, Strategic Relationships, Teamwork, Technical Translations, Web Content Management, Work Collaboratively, Working Independently, Workload Prioritization, Writing
Grade
G14
Salary Range
$75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.