Career Center

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Manage the communication efforts of the Department of Biology to promote research and teaching efforts. Provide scientific content editing to help faculty and their research groups pursue research grant funding and publish manuscripts. Support the scientific writing and communication efforts of the Chair. Research and execute new initiatives of the Chair.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the communication efforts of the Biology Department and supervise the role of Coordinator of Communications; develop, implement and manage a communication strategy targeting faculty, students, staff and alumni; develop relationships with department members to identify stories; write, edit and disseminate feature stories & press releases (as needed on the latter); attend a monthly science communication meeting to pitch story ideas to A&S communication and Marketing & Communication (that will feed into the Record and the Ampersand); develop relationships with other writers on campus to help them promote Biologyâ™s teaching and research efforts; create and manage web content for the Biology website; design, develop content for and manage the execution of various departmental newsletters (monthly chair newsletter (Biology Spotlight), alumni newsletter); create, manage and sustain an impactful presence on Twitter; research, implement, and expand new ways to promote departmental research and teaching efforts; may supervise student writers.
• Support faculty special projects and events (i.e., faculty-organized conferences, multi-institutional collaborations on teaching, professional development events, etc.); promote junior faculty recruiting graduate students, developing courses and preparing for tenure; manage the update of the departmentâ™s resource manual.
• Support researchers (faculty, postdocs and graduate students) by performing editing of scientific content of their grant proposals and manuscripts to improve clarity of writing and highlight to reviewers the significance of their proposal goals; opportunity to teach a writing workshop in the summer (20%)
• Support the Chair by preparing drafts and editing of materials that are needed for Faculty Tenure/Promotion, Faculty searches/recruitment, . Work closely with the chair on researching and implementing new initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.
• Ability to move to on and off-campus locations. May include minimal travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masterâ™s in Biological Sciences or Masters in science writing and one year of scientific writing and editing experience and/or grant writing.
• Higher education experience.
• Business journalism or technical writing background.
• Demonstrated knowledge and personal experience in business extremely helpful.
• Strong background in science.
• Clear and concise writing skills with an ability to write for lay audience.
• Excellent scientific content editorial skills.
• Exceptional interview and writing skills.
• Strong communicator, skilled in building relationships.
• Excellent ability to critically evaluate research in many sub-specialties in Biology.
• Excellent ability to provide scientific criticism of grant proposals and manuscripts.
• Significant experience with word processing, spreadsheets, science databases, Internet resources; familiarity with social media.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments with various levels of priority.
• Attention to detail and accuracy are essential.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelorâ™s degree in journalism or related degree.
• Minimum of three of journalism or technical writing experience.

Grade

G11

Salary Range

$50,500.00 - $86,200.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Return to Search Results