Science Research Writer - Department of Developmental Neurobiology
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Science Research Writer (SRW) for the Department of Developmental Neurobiology serves as a Science Communications Specialist. The SRW reports directly to the Administrative Director, also part of that team. The SRW shares with mainly with internal audiences how DNB contributes to St. Jude’s mission to find cures and save lives in ways that reflect our leadership culture, collaborative values, and scientific impact. This communication may take any form (written articles, marketing materials, videos, infographics, etc.) and may be delivered through a variety of outlets (website, presentations, journal articles, etc.). The SRW also pitches stories and nominates department publications for press releases to St. Jude’s Strategic Communications, Education and Outreach (SCEO). All external-facing projects will be collaborations between DNB and SCEO.
Job description
Job Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning. Works with the Chair and Leadership Team to develop a strategic science communication plan that aligns with St. Jude’s guidelines
- Editorial Management. Serves as the editorial manager and liaison with SCEO for department-level science communication projects
- Support Services. Provides DNB faculty, staff, and students with writing, editing, and other science communication services
- Researcher Training. Trains researchers on the best practices of science communication, including impactful presentations and plain-language writing
- Support editorial and publication activities as directed, including review and editing of manuscripts for scientific journals, grant applications, and other scientific documents, and production of institutional publications, such as the annual Scientific Report.
- Provide advice to authors (e.g., faculty, staff, fellows, and students) about effective approach, presentation, and publication/submission strategies.
- Track and report progress on editorial projects.
- Support development and presentation of seminars or other educational opportunities for St. Jude investigators.
- Participate in meetings of local and national editorial and related organizations to acquire new information and improve editing skills.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
Minimum Education and/or Training
- Master's degree in life sciences or a related field required.
Preferred Training and/or Experience
- PhD preferred.
- Master’s degree or equivalent from a Science Communication program.
- 5+ years in journalism, public information officer or related field.
- Experience with posting to SharePoint or other website platforms.
- Social Media management experience.
Minimum Experience
- Minimum requirement: 2+ years of experience as a scientific editor or relevant research and publication.
- Experience in the construction of scientific documents (journal articles or grant applications) preferred.
- Experience in experimental design; statistical principles; effective display of scientific data; and publication policies, procedures, and ethics.
- Experience in the construction of NIH grant applications preferred.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only
- ELS (Editor in the Life Sciences) certification by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences preferred.
Requirements
- Master's degree in life sciences or a related field required
- Minimum 2+ years of experience as a scientific editor or relevant research and publication
- Experience in experimental design; statistical principles; effective display of scientific data; and publication policies, procedures, and ethics
- PhD preferred
- Master’s degree or equivalent from a Science Communication program preferred
- 5+ years in journalism, public information officer or related field preferred
- Experience with posting to SharePoint or other website platforms preferred
- Social Media management experience preferred
- Experience in the construction of scientific documents (journal articles or grant applications) preferred
- Experience in the construction of NIH grant applications preferred
- ELS (Editor in the Life Sciences) certification preferred
Benefits
- Relocation assistance
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.