By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Medical School?
Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.
You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.
Job Description
Harvard Medical School is seeking an insightful, creative, enterprising, and productive Science Writer to join its Office of Communications and External Relations. Reporting to the Editorial Director, the Science Writer will conceptualize and execute content that creates a depth of understanding about the contributions and impact of the Harvard Medicine community, advancing the School’s strategic priorities and its mission to improve health and well-being for all.
Specifically, the Science Writer will:
- Explore, understand, distill, and write and produce content about basic, translational, and clinical research in a concise, compelling way that captivates target audiences while upholding scientific integrity and accuracy.
- Work with the Editorial Director, and with other editors as appropriate (e.g., the editor of Harvard Medicine magazine and the social media team), on story approach, treatment, rationale for coverage, and review.
- Write news releases, research briefs, profiles, feature articles, Q&As, photo captions, and other content that is on deadline and meets monthly tally goals, tailored to key audiences and channels (news website, magazine, newsletters, social media, video, podcasts, etc.), and aligned with OCER’s editorial and communications strategy.
- Cover the School’s education, service, leadership, and other non-science news and features as assigned.
- May be asked to attend and cover local events within or outside business hours.
- Manage assigned beats from among our on-campus basic and social science departments, institutional priorities, and affiliated hospitals and research institutions.
- Assess news releases and other content from affiliate beats against OCER’s news rubric and edit (“repurpose”) select articles for posting on HMS channels.
- Build and nurture relationships with faculty, trainees, students, staff, and other appropriate sources and proactively enterprise story ideas.
- Provide counsel to faculty, trainees, and students on communication best practices and procedures, including appropriate levels of coverage and timing for news content and how to most effectively communicate their work to external audiences.
- Produce, or collaborate with other OCER teams to produce, multimedia such as short videos, photo galleries and audio clips.
- Collaborate with OCER social media team to produce social media-friendly content that stands alone or complements or promotes new articles.
- Work with the Senior Director of Media Relations to share content proactively with news media outlets, arrange interviews with beat contacts, and train members of the HMS community on how to work with the media.
- Collaborate with communications colleagues across the office, School, University, and affiliated hospitals to help ensure consistent, clear, and accurate messaging.
- Contribute to editorial and production calendars to help organize, plan, and track content.
- Serve as a backup for copyediting colleagues’ content as assigned.
- Research, draft, and consult on executive speeches and talking points as needed.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter and three relevant science writing samples in addition to their resume. All finalists will be asked to complete a comprehensive writing assessment.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Advanced degree preferred, along with a strong background in science writing, storytelling, and editing at an academic institution, within the biomedical industry, or for a news outlet.
- Proficiency in AP style.
- Demonstrated ability to grasp and interpret peer-reviewed research, including basic science; gather information, conduct background research and effective interviews, write effectively and efficiently on deadline, edit, fact-check, and secure source approvals; and translate complex information—especially scientific content—into plain language for both lay and scientific audiences.
- Strong track record of working diligently and meeting monthly content tallies.
- Familiarity working with biomedical researchers, academic and scientific leaders, and alumni and donor communities beneficial.
- Experience creating compelling content across formats—text, audio, video, and emerging technologies—and tailoring to target audiences preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to Harvard Medical School’s work, mission, and community values.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and ensure timely production of content under the pressure of last-minute deadlines and changing priorities.
- Team player who has a positive attitude and is solutions-oriented. Ability to build and sustain rapport with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Skilled in navigating organizational boundaries and collaborating effectively.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with Drupal or similar content management system, Photoshop, AirTable, and audio and/or video editing and production experience helpful.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
- Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
- Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.