Health Sciences Writer

The Health Sciences Writer must be skilled in translating complex subject matter for a general audience, have the drive and curiosity to learn new things and possess the ability to complete projects on tight deadlines. The Writer works in close partnership with both the USF Health and UCM teams, serving as a liaison and collaborative strategist to uncover compelling stories that demonstrate the impact of academic health research and clinical innovation.

As a representative of the USF Health and UCM teams, the Health Sciences Writer cultivates strong relationships with faculty through coordinated outreach initiatives that lead to mainstream media placements, as well as content for university platforms, campaigns and other initiatives to reach external audiences. 

Responsibilities may include creating content in support of health research including articles published in academic journals, clinical trials, innovations in clinical care, patents or commercially developed products and features about the people and projects that make the university unique. 

The Health Sciences Writer must have a strong understanding of AP Style, brand journalism and how to write for targeted audiences. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with communications and marketing teams across the university, supporting priority projects, advising on strategic web and marketing content and monitoring analytics to assess impact of communications efforts.
 

Writing and Content Development 

• Collaborate with faculty researchers, scientists, and strategic partners to identify, shape and execute story ideas.
• Participate in team meetings and discussions to align on content goals.
• Conduct thorough research on scientific topics.
• Develop high-impact stories focused on health sciences research advancements and clinical innovations across USF Health and USF. Translate complex scientific and medical topics into compelling content for university news platforms and external channels.
• Work closely with media relations team members to determine best opportunities for pitching stories to local and national journalists to further elevate USF Health/USF brands.
• Work with social media team members to develop best strategies for sharing stories on different social media platforms.

Outreach Planning

Editing and Revising

• Review and provide editorial feedback on articles and content produced by colleagues across units.
• Review and refine drafts for clarity and accuracy.
• Ensure adherence to brand alignment and institutional style and messaging standards.

Strategic Communications Support

• Help maintain and update the USF Health faculty expert guide and other shared communications resources.
• Meet with key internal and external partners to support communications planning and coordination.

Other duties as assigned  

• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of health sciences communications priorities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

This position requires a Bachelor's and 4 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. 

• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements 

• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: 

• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; 

• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree; 

• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree; 

• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or 

• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree 

• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Education focuse