Science Writer

The Organization

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as virology, advanced multi-scale fluorescence and electron microscopy, metabolism and regenerative biology. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life.

The Opportunity:

Our Communications Team is seeking a motivated science writer to share the cutting-edge science and unique mission of the Morgridge Institute for Research with the world. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team passionate about boosting engagement with the institute’s research amongst a diverse set of stakeholders and audiences. Primary responsibilities will include identifying and executing science storytelling opportunities from within the institute’s diverse research portfolio and translating complex topics for non-specialists across platforms.

This is a full-time position.  Work is performed primarily on-site, with a hybrid option 1-2 days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify and produce high-impact stories on research, programs, people and ideas, in concert with the Morgridge advancement team.
• Write press releases, perform media outreach, engage reporters, and use research tools to reach target markets for promotion.
• Manage multiple editorial projects and meet deadlines.
• Coordinate multimedia content needs and oversee productions with video and photography vendors; on occasion, pursue opportunities to produce, shoot and edit original multimedia stories for Morgridge news feeds.
• Cover breadth of Morgridge research through a variety of storytelling formats and styles.
• Develop relationships with researchers across the institute to stay abreast of storytelling opportunities.
• Miscellaneous duties as required

Requirements:

To succeed at this job, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations will be considered and may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, English, communications, science communications or other related field, or equivalent experience, is required.
• Minimum three years of experience in research communication, including news media, print, digital, video, and social media.
• Experience with email marketing and online newsletter creation.
• Experience with pitching stories to local and national reporters.
• Experience with communications platforms such as Mailchimp, WordPress, Google Analytics and Basecamp preferred.
• Experience using public relations and earned media software like Meltwater or Agility preferred.
• Communications experience within scientific, biomedical, hospital, research-intensive or technology organizations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing abilities that demonstrate creativity, clarity and accuracy, combined with a strong functional knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Strong interest in and ability to quickly comprehend Morgridge scientific programs and synthesize and translate these topics for a public audience.
• Passion and capability for communicating research in creative and entertaining ways.
• Ability to prioritize, plan and execute multiple projects appropriately to meet short- and long-term deadlines.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Individual initiative combined with collaborative team attitude.
• Video and photography capability a plus (not required).
• Integrity and commitment to the organization and its mission.