Science Writer and Program Coordinator
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY:
The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) is a nonprofit membership organization of biologists who study the cell, the fundamental unit of life. ASCB's mission is to advance scientific discovery, advocate for sound research policies, improve education, promote professional development, and increase diversity in the scientific workforce.
Since its founding in 1960, the ASCB has grown to approximately 9,000 members in the United States and more than 65 countries around the world. Current members come from universities, colleges, professional schools, government, industry, and public and private research institutions; twenty-five percent of ASCB members work outside the United States. For more information about ASCB, visit www.ascb.org
POSITION SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
We are looking for an early-career scientist with a solid grounding in experimental biology, a passion for communicating the importance of basic research, a talent for writing well, accurately, and vividly. The candidate should have a strong interest in liaising with young scientists, creatively thinking of initiatives for engaging these important constituents in ASCB' s activities. The ideal candidate is an experienced bench scientist who holds a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in cell biology or a related field, and knows the joys and sorrows of experimental lab work. He or she understands basic biological processes and already follows many current topics, techniques, and controversies in research. These include stem cells; the translational imperative; impacts on public health; and the growing interdependence of biophysics, computational biology, and bioengineering on fundamental research. We are looking for someone with incurable curiosity about the specifics and the business of scientific discovery and the willingness to foster and implement sound research policies which will help the field grow. The position will require working in an array of media and formats. The key task is translating complex scientific concepts and nuanced data for both lay audiences and specialized scientists. As a writer, the successful candidate is already a stickler for accuracy, consistency, and basic grammar. As an editor, he or she will learn to follow ASCB publication style while editing and copyediting contlibutions from staff, ASCB members, and others. This new position will be an integral part of our new communications team. Along with generating news content, the science writer will help manage and improve content on the ASCB website and social media. As a program coordinator, the ideal candidate will work to build a network of volunteer contributors, largely ASCB members, for ASCB communications channels by soliciting, guiding, and reworking their submissions. Under the guidance of the Communications and Education Director, the successful candidate will develop and coordinate training activities for young investigators, liaising with the newly established Committee of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
The position will report to the Communications and Education Director and the successful candidate will work very closely with the Senior Science Writer, who will be a mentor and a guide. The science writer will collaborate closely with ASCB's graphic designer, Web developers, and IT Director.
DELIVERABLES:
- Research and write science news stories and other items relevant to the membership to be published online or/and in print
- Assist senior staff and leadership of the Society in writing and editing for publication
- Solicit and edit contributions from freelance/ASCB member writers
- Coordinate content for the website and social media channels
- Evaluate existing content for accuracy and currency
- Manage the overall mix of content on the website
- Together with the Communication Director and the Senior Science Writer, develop formats and channels that will engage the interests of ASCB members who are the real site owners; work with members, society leadership, and staff to define content and key themes and messages, recommending new topics and identifying gaps in content; specify new information architectures for the website
- Coordinate new activities related to professional training and young investigators' professional development
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree
- Strong track record in biological research
- Strong science and writing skills
- Familiarity with social media and new media platforms
- A degree or certification in science writing, or professional science journalism experience is a plus
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills
- Team player
- Customer service orientation and ability to adapt quickly
BENEFITS AND SALARY:
Excellent benefit package including health and dental insurance, generous holiday schedule, parking. Competitive salary, depending on candidate experience.
TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please send to the email address jobs@ascb.org the following:
- A cover letter clearly stating qualifications and reasons for interest in the position
- A curriculum vitae, indicating scientific and writing accomplishments
- A writing sampler including three published or posted articles about science for a general audience, published peer-reviewed papers, or essays on aspects of cellular and molecular biology that put the data in a wider context for readers outside the immediate field or subject area.
The ASCB is located at 8120 Woodmont Ave., Suite 750, Bethesda, Maryland. ASCB is an equal opportunity employer.
