Job Description:

The Writer for the Life Sciences serves as part of the News and Editorial Development unit in the Office of University Communications. The writer is a strategist and cross-platform content producer who develops and guides editorial content for externally facing communications about the teaching, research and service missions of the University, with a special emphasis on the life sciences. This includes the Division of Biology and Medicine, the School of Public Health, Brown Institute for Brain Science, and other departments and centers in the life sciences. S/he develops and maintains a relationship with academic and administrative units in the life sciences to help further their goals to promote their faculty, students, programs and events via news releases, websites, online and print publications, and other strategic vehicles intended to demonstrate the programsâ™ strengths among external audiences. The editorial responsibilities are multifaceted, supporting the news, media, social media and Web functions of the Office of University Communications, along with strategic editorial support for campus clients.

Qualifications

• A college degree is required. Five years of professional experience in science or health journalism, public affairs and/or media relations, or an equivalent combination of graduate study and professional experience, is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing news coverage plans
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including proficiency in Associated Press writing style
• Demonstrated ability to research information, conduct effective interviews and write well and quickly
• Experience using computing tools for conducting research on the Internet, for communicating by e-mail, for writing documents that are properly formatted in appropriate templates, and maintaining appropriate story databases
• Experience developing effective messaging tailored to audiences
• Ability to sustain and build rapport with stakeholders
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations is required

Applicants must submit an application that includes a cover letter, resume with employment history and three published work samples: news release, feature article/profile, and an announcement or news release reflecting "breaking news" written on deadline.

The life sciences writer represents the University in a very public way, speaking with authority to local, regional and national media about Brown, its research and its academic programs. The writer also is a collaborator and guide on effective communications, and must cultivate understanding of communications strategy among faculty and administrators in campus units. The writer will need to be a person of diplomacy, poise and confidence, qualities that come from a well-developed understanding of the University and its people.

The writer is expected to work occasional nights and weekends, aligned with special events that occur at times during the academic year.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal and education records check satisfactory to Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.