Duke University Job Descriptions

SCIENCE WRITER, SENIOR

Job Title: SCIENCE WRITER, SENIOR
Job Code: 1024
FLSA: E
Job Level: 13
Revised Date: 02/28/1992
Job Family: JF 28

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Occupational Summary

Develop and implement projects and ideas for disseminating news and generating communications materials for the national media and other appropriate audiences regarding science and engineering research at Duke University for the Office of Research Communications.

Work Performed

Develop and write hard news, feature and background release, media advisories, newspaper, magazine and newsletter articles, and other appropriate communication vehicles for distribution to the lay and professional media and other targeted audiences on research and other activities in engineering, physical sciences, computer science and other scientific areas.

Develop and maintain professional contacts and affiliations with news media editors, reporters and broadcasters, particularly at the national level, to facilitate and promote the dissemination of news and publicity in areas relevant to science and research at Duke University.

Develop and maintain working relationships with faculty, deans and administrators in engineering, physical sciences, computer science and other scientific areas; consult with faculty, deans and administrators on publicizing and promoting their activities and research to the news media.

Develop news and feature articles for campus publications; serve as assistant editor for the research newsletter of the Office of Research Communications.

Assist in planning and coordinating a proactive information services program for the Office of Research Communications.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Must hold a bachelor or master degree. Preferably in Journalism, English, Communications, or a Biomedical science field.

Experience

Work requires five years of directly related writing experience. Preferably working in a biomedical research/academic medical institution.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Skills

N/A

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The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

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Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

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Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.