Science Research Writer - Department of Developmental Neurobiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital•Memphis, TN

49d•$70,720 - $126,880

About The Position

The Science Research Writer (SRW) for the Department of Developmental Neurobiology serves as a Science Communications Specialist and reports directly to the Administrative Director. The role primarily communicates to internal audiences how the department contributes to St. Jude’s mission, leadership culture, collaborative values, and scientific impact. Content may include written articles, marketing materials, videos, and infographics distributed through outlets such as websites, presentations, and journal articles. The SRW pitches stories and nominates department publications for press releases to St. Jude’s Strategic Communications, Education and Outreach (SCEO); external-facing projects are collaborations between the department and SCEO. The SRW develops and executes a science communication strategy aligned with departmental and institutional goals, advises department leadership, creates and manages communications content, and translates complex scientific discoveries for researchers, donors, collaborators, and public audiences. The position also provides writing, editing, publication, and communications support to faculty, staff, and students; trains researchers in science communication; manages projects and editorial workflows; and supports educational opportunities for investigators. Relocation to Memphis is required for candidates living outside the area, and relocation assistance is provided.

Requirements

Master’s degree in life sciences or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience as a scientific editor or in relevant research and publication.
Experience in experimental design, statistical principles, effective display of scientific data, and publication policies, procedures, and ethics.

Nice To Haves

PhD.
Master’s degree or equivalent from a science communication program.
At least 5 years in journalism, as a public information officer, or in a related field.
Experience posting to SharePoint or other website platforms.
Social media management experience.
Experience in academic medicine, biomedical research, healthcare, government, or nonprofit organizations.
Experience developing communication strategies and leading cross-functional projects.
Experience training scientists, postdoctoral fellows, or students in communication best practices.
Familiarity with web content management systems, social media, multimedia production, and visual communication tools.
Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent experience.
Spanish language proficiency.
Experience constructing scientific documents, such as journal articles or grant applications.
Experience constructing NIH grant applications.
ELS (Editor in the Life Sciences) certification by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive science communication strategy aligned with departmental and institutional goals and St. Jude guidelines.
Work with the Chair and Leadership Team on strategic communications planning.
Serve as the lead writer, editor, communications advisor, and editorial manager for department leadership and science communication projects.
Liaise with St. Jude’s Strategic Communications, Education and Outreach team on department-level communications projects.
Create and manage newsletters, website and intranet content, social media, executive communications, presentations, annual reports, videos, infographics, and other content.
Translate complex scientific discoveries into clear, compelling content for researchers, donors, collaborators, and public audiences.
Partner with St. Jude communications teams on media opportunities, award nominations, press releases, and external storytelling.
Provide writing, editing, and other science communication services to department faculty, staff, and students.
Design and deliver training in scientific storytelling, plain-language writing, visual communication, and presentations.
Manage multiple communications projects, coordinating stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables.
Support editorial and publication activities, including reviewing and editing scientific manuscripts, grant applications, and other scientific documents, and producing institutional publications such as the annual Scientific Report.
Advise authors, including faculty, staff, fellows, and students, on effective approaches, presentation, and publication or submission strategies.
Track and report progress on editorial projects.
Support the development and presentation of seminars and other educational opportunities for St. Jude investigators.
Participate in local and national editorial and related organization meetings to acquire information and improve editing skills.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet department and institutional goals and objectives.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.