SENIOR SCIENCE WRITER & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

ABOUT US: 

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program.  We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century:  https://100.scripps.edu/

 

POSITION TITLE:      Senior Science Writer & Communications Officer

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Science Writer and Communications Officer is responsible for the duties of primary writer focused on translational research and drug discovery-related topics. This role also serves as a liaison and point person for communicating the Institute's scientific excellence and impact related to drug discoveries, particularly the work done at the Calibr-Skaggs Institute through our earned, owned, and paid channels. Includes identifying feature and news stories ideas, interviewing and coordinating with institute leadership, faculty, students, and other sources, and writing accessible, accurate and intriguing copy.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Write a high-volume of press releases, news, award updates and other content to support and promote the work of Scripps Research and Calibr-Skaggs scientists, particularly as it relates to drug discovery and development
• Helps to manage related press releases, making sure releases are routed to all parties for review (e.g., pharmaceutical partners, funders, etc.), and pitch under embargo
• Stay up to date on pharmaceutical trends and related communications best practices
• Works closely with Communications and Calibr-Skaggs to make sure discoveries are well represented in various external outreach channels and collateral
• Serve as a lead writer on the topic of drug discovery and translational research for the Institute’s award-winning magazine (print and digital versions)
• Create related video scripts for social media, press release videos, feature videos
• Create related content for multiple media avenues
• Oversee related web copy for scientific areas of the website
• Collaborate within the department to cultivate relationships with biotech media and implement effective strategies for Scripps Research media coverage in the biotech areas (print, broadcast, digital)
• Produce written and multimedia content (social media, podcasts, print, websites, videos)
• Responsible for interviewing scientists about the research 
• Ability to write stories/releases for non-scientific audiences
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process. 

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or public relations
• Minimum 5 years' experience as reporter, media relations or public relations professional, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical field
• Experience in higher education research process
• Require reading and comprehension of highly technical scientific papers
• Demonstrated experience writing in Associated Press Style
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home. 

 

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $105,600 annually to $115,400 annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed re