Writer Editor

Job Function Summary

Involves conceiving, researching, writing, editing, and / or publishing written materials and strategic communications, including publications, articles, proposals, speeches, and promotional material.

Generic Scope

Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

Custom Scope

Researches, writes and / or edits high-level communications, publications, and / or reports with complex or sensitive subject matter to audiences that are either broad or highly influential. Requires subject-matter expertise and an in-depth understanding of the audience and the communication strategies that will best serve the institution with that audience.

Work is of considerable difficulty and may require political acumen and sensitivity.

The Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a highly motivated and collaborative Senior Science Writer and Editor for a part-time Writer Editor 4 position. The selected candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team of scientific experts, writers, managers, and professionals to promote QBI’s collaborative biomedical research portfolio.

This unique team emphasizes collaboration over competition, connecting experts from around the world to build lasting networks and make a huge scientific impact. As an integral member of the QBI team, you will bring your technical leadership and recognized expertise to tackle unique challenges, develop innovative solutions, and communicate QBI stories and outcomes to a broad audience.

Responsibilities

% of timeEssential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)

60%

Researches, writes, and edits high-level communications, publications, and / or reports with complex or sensitive subject matter; assignments may include proposals, articles for publications, briefing materials, talking points, press releases, and web site content.

• Write and edit comprehensive reviews, perspectives, primary research articles, reports, federally sponsored research, non-profit grants, and industry collaborative ventures
• Prepare high-level communications for broad audiences utilizing different communications media (e.g. print, audio, video, web)
• Produce news articles, press releases, profiles, briefings, blogs, website copy, collateral materials, and other written communications.
• Conduct literature based research, select interview sources, and ensure the accuracy of written content.
• Obtain copyright permission as needed.

Consults with and advises clients regarding their communications needs

• Provide subject-matter exerptise and oversight for multiple projects.

May develop publications or web content to meet communication need

• Edit written materials to ensure clarity, organization, accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Plan and execute social media content to highlight QBI initiatives and achievements.

Determines content and sources for publications and written work, conducts research and interviews (with multiple and sometimes conflicting sources), and ensures accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness of writing.

May edit and oversee design and production of a variety of print and online material

May oversee or lead staff; hire, assign, and oversee freelance staff.

Accesses submitted manuscripts and recommends material to be published, including working with authors on developing material for publication,

May respond to media inquiries, directing reporters to location media relations officers and other subject-matter experts as appropriate

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience writing and editing for academia.
• Highly independent and able to take the initiative for developing and pitching story ideas, workshops & outreach exhibits, and creative science communication ventures.
• Expertise in writing, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation with the ability to write clear and compelling narratives for a variety of styles for both targeted and broad audiences.
• Advanced experience and knowledge of editorial style and publication guidelines specific for higher education and academia in biology or health sciences.
• In depth knowledge of applications and software used for publishing, data analysis, image handling, figure development, and web production.
• Advanced critical thinking, analytical, research and fact verification skills.
• Advanced interpersonal communication and collaboration skills including project management, organizational, problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• In depth knowledge in own area of scientific expertise and extensive scientific acumen.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or MD in biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related field
• Knowledge of UCSF and QBI, including its mission, goals, programs, achievements, and policies.
• Knowledge of higher education, health sciences, or a related academic or clinical field.
• Knowledge of video and audio content editing and publishing applications.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, evolving research and development environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and work effectively across functions.
• Technical expertise in systems biology data integration and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is highly desired.