Science Writer

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

NAS Building

National Academy of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: position summary,publication,editorial tasks,media production,knowledge, skills & abilities,experience,education

Full time

Overview: REQ: R0001273<br /><br />The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is the National Academy of Science's official peer-reviewed journal of original scientific research. Since its establishment in 1914, PNAS has published cutting-edge research reports, commentaries, reviews, perspectives, colloquium papers, and actions of the Academy. Coverage in PNAS spans the biological, physical, and social sciences.
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>The Science Writer will work with the PNAS Media department to produce a bimonthly podcast series, compose ~200 word lay-language summaries (i.e., press tips) of PNAS articles selected for press interest, and will also write one sentence descriptions of other press interest papers.</li> <li>In addition, the writer will prepare ~200 word scientific summaries of research articles for publication in the "This Week in PNAS" section of the journal.</li> <li>The writer will be responsible for interviewing Academy members and other scientists for podcasts, question and answer-style interviews, and biographical profiles, which often accompany the member's inaugural article in PNAS.</li> <li>In addition, the science writer will perform a range of weekly editorial tasks related to the day-to-day operation of the Media Department, including but not limited to writing cover tags and captions, special projects, and helping to compose and distribute weekly Tipsheets, and proofreading the weekly web pages hosting the press content.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <p dir="LTR"><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements: </strong> Bachelor's degree in a scientific field, and professional writing and podcasting experience is required.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Minimum Experience: </strong> One year of related experience; prefer a 2 or more years of experience writing and podcasting about complex scientific topics for a variety of audiences, ranging from the general public to scientists.</p> <p dir="LTR">Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, effectively respond to editorial comments, interview scientists, and operate audio editing software. Strong interview skills are required.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Preferred Experience: </strong> Familiarity with Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, and sound editing software is desirable.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Physical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.</p>