Senior Editor

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

22h • $61,000 - $85,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Science Editor is a strategic communications professional responsible for elevating the visibility and reputation of Wilmot Cancer Institute's research enterprise through compelling storytelling, proactive media relations, and high-impact editorial content. This role serves as the primary communications partner for Wilmot researchers and scientific leadership, translating complex discoveries into accessible stories that engage the public, strengthen institutional reputation, and support the institute's research mission. Working collaboratively across the University of Rochester and University of Rochester Medicine, the Senior Science Editor develops communications strategies for major scientific advances, prepares faculty for media engagement, and leads the editorial planning and production of Wilmot's flagship research publication. Through trusted relationships with investigators, national media outreach, and strategic content development, this position helps position Wilmot as a national leader in cancer research and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience in newspaper, magazine writing or other public relations activity required (Journalism, Communications, English, Public Relations, Life Sciences preferred)
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Journalism, Science Writing, Communications, Public Health, or a scientific discipline preferred.
• Five to seven years of experience in science writing, science journalism, research communications, healthcare communications, or public relations, preferably within an academic medical center, research institution, healthcare organization, or higher education environment.
• Experience developing media strategies and securing earned media coverage for scientific discoveries, research initiatives, or healthcare organizations.
• Experience interviewing researchers, physicians, or scientific experts and developing trusted working relationships with subject matter experts.
• Experience managing complex editorial projects or publications from concept through production preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex scientific and medical information for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of science communication, media relations, and strategic communications principles.
• Ability to develop relationships with researchers, faculty, institutional leaders, and media representatives.
• Strong interviewing, critical thinking, and editorial judgment skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop and execute proactive communications strategies that enhance institutional reputation.
• Knowledge of research publishing, academic medicine, or biomedical research environments preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, content management systems

Responsibilities

• Identifying stories, interviewing researchers, writing news releases, feature stories, web content, grant announcements, and research profiles.
• Developing media strategies, pitching national and regional media, coordinating interviews and press briefings, preparing faculty and leadership for interviews.
• Editorial planning, story development, production management, vendor coordination, photography, design schedule, printing, mailing, and quality control.
• Building relationships with research program leaders, collaborating across URochester Medicine and the University of Rochester, attending research meetings, identifying communications opportunities, and advising leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior