Scientific Writer

Department

PSD Data Science: NITMB Group

About the Department

The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) is a partnership between Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. The institute aims to integrate the disciplines of mathematics and biology in order to transform the practice of biological research and to inspire new mathematical discoveries. The staff at NITMB support the community of scholars, the shared ideals, and the core values of the institute. Together with the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, the NITMB provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work.

Job Summary

This role involves creating various communications for the National Institute of Theory and Mathematics in Biology. The Scientific Writer will research and assist in writing articles and reports for the Research faculty, the Fellows, and help with reports for outside evaluations. This includes advising on writing blog posts and public-facing articles about the research coming out of the NITMB. The Scientific Writer will report to the Deputy Director for Research at the NITMB. This position will produce feature articles, requests for information (RFI), reports for University stakeholders and philanthropic organizations, along with other print and online communications. Under moderate guidance, the individual will research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications, and reports on complex and specialized subjects.

Responsibilities

• Prepares content for presentations and multiple audiences, including assembling and organizing data into text and figures for presentations, publications, grant applications, reports, newsletters, and websites.

• Edits and advises postdocs on writing scientific blog posts and articles for publication.

• Develops and writes articles highlighting recent scientific publications by postdocs and faculty.

• Researches and writes compelling articles and proposals that inspire philanthropy and disseminates research.

• Fulfills other writing, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial duties as needed.

• Collaborates with communications colleagues across the University to plan and implement communications that uphold University messaging, tone, style, and brand guidelines.

• Researches, verifies, writes, and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.

• Uses knowledge of writing with moderate level of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized fields (e.g., scientific writing).

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Writing news and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets.

• Editing the work of others, writers and non-writers.

• Interviewing a wide range of subject matter experts, including academics and scientific researchers.

• Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of Google Docs, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, Keynote, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, and other design and creative programs.

• Familiarity with research and concepts in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptionally strong writing skills; able to produce clear, compelling, and eloquent text.

• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.

• Ability to translate complicated scientific concepts for multiple audiences.

• Keen understanding of creative content trends and best practices.

• High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.

• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Application Documents

• Cover Letter (Required)

• Resume (Required)

• Writing Sample (Required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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