UNIV - Science Writing and Communications Program Coordinator

Summary

The Science Writing and Communications Program Coordinator contributes science content that translates research originating from the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute (SCTR) into compelling language and formats appropriate for all stakeholders, including scientific and lay audiences, students, collaborators, and sponsors. SCTR is a statewide, NIH-funded institute that provides consultative expertise, resources, training, and funding to support research teams. Our goal is to accelerate scientific discoveries from the laboratory to clinical and public health practice to improve the health of patients and communities across SC and beyond.

The Science Writing and Communications Program Coordinator reports to the SCTR Science Development Officer and is a member of the SCTR Communications Team, which is responsible for developing and implementing SCTR's strategic communication priorities. The position is part of a fast-paced, engaged, and creative team that helps to support SCTR's stakeholder relationships and reputation. We are especially interested in applicants who bring a blend of science communication experience and digital media skills.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001064 COM SCTR Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-06

Pay Range

46,655.00 - 66,488.00 - 86,321.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The Science Writing and Communications Program Coordinator contributes science content that translates research originating from the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute (SCTR) into compelling language and formats appropriate for all stakeholders, including scientific and lay audiences, students, collaborators, and sponsors. SCTR is a statewide, NIH-funded institute that provides consultative expertise, resources, training, and funding to support research teams. Our goal is to accelerate scientific discoveries from the laboratory to clinical and public health practice to improve the health of patients and communities across SC and beyond.

The Science Writing and Communications Program Coordinator reports to the SCTR Science Development Officer and is a member of the SCTR Communications Team, which is responsible for developing and implementing SCTR's strategic communication priorities. The position is part of a fast-paced, engaged, and creative team that helps to support SCTR's stakeholder relationships and reputation. We are especially interested in applicants who bring a blend of science communication experience and digital media skills.

This position is mostly remote with in-person attendance at meetings and events as required.

Job Responsibilities:

Content Creation (30%)

Plans, researches, develops, and delivers written content - and potentially visual assets, such as photography and video - in a deadline-driven environment for communication channels including but not limited to SCTR's website, print reports, electronic newsletters (internal and external), online magazine stories, news releases, blogs, brochures, and other marketing-related materials.

Cultivates relationships with SCTR leaders, faculty, staff, and study teams for the purpose of understanding and communicating their research to external stakeholders.

Collaborates with and interviews faculty, staff, and study teams to develop and produce compelling stories about their research.

Advises SCTR leadership and staff on how to frame stories about innovative and important scientific advances and key SCTR research initiatives so that they resonate with target audiences.

Develops and delivers strategic research communications in appropriate formats for the relevant audience(s) under the supervision and mentorship of the SCTR Sr Science Writer.

Coordinates review and release of stories with institutional communication offices.

Tracks and reports metrics on the effectiveness of science stories and releases Editing (20%)

Assists with editing communications and marketing content developed by SCTR colleagues to ensure strategic messaging coherence, clarity and conciseness as well as technical and factual accuracy, readability, style, and adherence to brand and editorial guidelines.

Provides sentence-level editorial guidance to other SCTR team members, including scholars and trainees, on academic writing such as manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals.

Offers recommendations for streamlining content, use of tables and or visual elements to communicate information succinctly and for different audiences. Digital Media Development (20%)

Uses digital tools to promote online content, amplify news coverage to key audiences.

Contributes messaging to promote written and multi-media content.

May initiate development of graphic elements in consultation with study team members and the SCTR Communications Manager.

Assists Communications Manager with editorial review/updates of website.

Assists Communications Manager with editorial review and news feature development for e-newsletter. Manuscript and Grant Development (20%)

Works collaboratively with SCTR Science Officer to facilitate manuscript and grant development/reporting activities, which may include:

providing editorial review of multi-collaborator grants/manuscript to create a consistent voice, contributing written content when needed.

advising investigators on ways to effectively translate and communicate scientific concepts to enhance acceptance of peer-reviewed manuscripts and competitiveness of grant applications, and

suggesting and creating relevant graphics, tables and appendices to support grant applications. Material and Report Preparation (5%)

Assists in creating materials to disseminate information and promote SCTR resources, events, and accomplishments, including SCTR's retreats, funding opportunities, symposia, webinars, and special events.

Maintains yearly tracking for SCTR news coverage and science communication projects,

Assists with report preparation using relevant data sources to inform ongoing program promotions strategy and development. Other Activities (5%)

Contributes knowledge and project coordination expertise to special projects determined by SCTR leadership, particularly projects to promote effective written and visual science communications, such as with scientific presentations, posters, visual abstracts, research manuscripts and grant proposals.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:

A bachelor's degree and two years relevant program experience.

Preferred skills

Bachelor's degree in journalism/communications/English or a science field with two (2) years of professional writing and editing experience.

Demonstrated ability to comprehend scientific or technical information and complex ideas and turn them into clear and compelling stories that are appropriate for the target audience for the purpose of advancing the organization.

Strong storytelling ability with the know-how to compose a narrative about discovery and write memorable stories that captivate and inspire the target audience.

Demonstrated prior professional experience researching and writing news releases concisely, effectively, and persuasively in a variety of styles for specific audiences under significant time constraints.

Advanced editorial skills, knowledge of current Associated Press style, attention to detail.

Demonstrated skill in the use of visual modalities (videography/photography/graphic design/AI tools) in communications.

Experience with design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties.

Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.

Demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with research faculty and/or key stakeholders.

Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, including a willingness to undertake both mundane and high-profile tasks. Application Materials

Resume or CV

Cover letter

2-3 writing samples preferably science related

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree and two years relevant program experience. Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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