Job Title: Science Writer
Type: Full-time
Employer: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Location: New York, NY
Job Description
To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today’s top emerging scientists with funding to pursue innovative cancer research. Founded in 1946, Damon Runyon is internationally recognized for identifying and supporting the most promising researchers who have gone on to make many groundbreaking discoveries and become leaders in their fields. Twelve award recipients have received the Nobel Prize.
Damon Runyon seeks a creative and collaborative “storyteller” with exceptional writing and editing skills to work with its communications, development and award program staff in promoting its mission and vision and raising awareness among the public, donors, media, and others of its ongoing impact and accomplishments.
Reporting to the Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer, the ideal candidate will be able to:
Translate scientific information, including research proposals, progress reports, and scientific publications, into compelling content for non-scientific audiences, for use in Damon Runyon’s fundraising and marketing initiatives;
Draft descriptions of research of current Damon Runyon award recipients for use on the Foundation’s website and communications, as well as for donor proposals and reports.
Create and edit copy for newsletters, website, e-newsletters, brochures, science updates to donors, annual reports, blog, social media, special editorial projects, and other publications, including interviews of cancer patients, funded scientists, and other key constituents;
Identify and report on latest trends and developments across a broad spectrum of cancer research from both academia and the biotech & pharmaceutical industries, and articulate the contributions of Damon Runyon scientists to the understanding of cancer and/or new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer;
Assist in evaluating the historical impact of Damon Runyon programs, including identifying key measures of impact using a variety of approaches to measure impact, including surveys, publication reviews and other external data sources.
Qualifications
Minimum MS degree
3-5 years experience in science journalism or equivalent experience writing about science and/or medicine/health for lay audiences
Demonstrated knowledge of cancer research and/or biomedical science; experience in laboratory research a plus
Ability to read and analyze scientific proposals, reports and publications
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; ability to be a creative storyteller
Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member
How to Apply
Please send cover letter and resume to Yung S. Lie, PhD, Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer, at jobs@damonrunyon.org.
Writing samples and references will be requested from candidates at a later step in the hiring process.
