Research Writer, Editorial Department

Boston University•Boston, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Boston University's award-winning External Affairs division seeks a Research Writer to find, report, write, and edit stories that promote Boston University research and researchers. A journalist with strong reportorial and storytelling skills, the Research Writer assists with the everyday editorial workings of The Brink website, identifying original research stories throughout BU's schools, colleges, and centers. The individual should have a passion for science and the ability to apply a broad range of storytelling approaches, writing substantive features and covering breaking news, and be able to consider how stories will be shared and promoted across a range of formats, including web, print, and social media. The Research Writer will report to the Editor for The Brink. Boston University is a leading private research and teaching institution with more than 38,000 students, 11,000 faculty and staff, 300 programs of study, and 130 research centers and institutes. Our scholars are at the forefront of innovation, successfully competing for more than $574 million in sponsored research awards last year. Our students come from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, and nearly 20 percent of our undergraduates are first-generation college students. In addition to your resume and cover letter, please also provide two to three relevant writing clips or a link to a portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Three to five years of relevant experience, including writing research and science news.
Familiarity with scientific/technical terms and the ability to comprehend research and academic writing and translate it into lay terms for different audiences.
Strong writing and reporting skills.
An enthusiasm for telling stories about science, medicine, and technology.
Ability to distill complicated science and research into engaging prose for a general audience.

Responsibilities

Reporting and writing research stories. Find, report, and write stories of every length about the research, researchers, awards, and grants that define Boston University. Your work will appear in The Brink and across other University channels, including BU Today and Bostonia.
Translate research papers and academic writing into clear, compelling language for the media and the public, calibrated to the audience and the channel.
Help the Editor adapt content from other University publications.
Finding the next story. Build relationships with researchers and communicators across BU's schools, colleges, and centers. Attend lectures and events, follow the journals, and stay ahead of emerging trends in science, engineering, health, and other key research areas.
Work with the Editor to decide how each story is best reported and promoted.
Bringing stories to life visually. Partner with the photo, production, and video teams to arrange the photography, video, and design that strengthen the storytelling.
Getting the work seen. Collaborate with the social media and PR teams to shape and promote stories for audiences inside and outside the University, including across social platforms.