Scientific Writer

Department

PSD Data Science: Willett Research Center

About the Department

The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute supports the University’s community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division, which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

Job Summary

This role involves creating various communications for the Willett Research Group and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Program. The Scientific Writer will research and assist in writing articles and reports for Professor Rebecca Willett, the Worah Family Professor in the Wallman Society of Fellows, as well as in the Departments of Statistics and Computer Science, and the Director of AI for the Data Science Institute. Part of this role will directly support the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, which aims to train a new generation of domain scientists with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of artificial intelligence. This includes advising postdocs on writing blog posts and public-facing articles about their research. The Scientific Writer will report to the Senior Administrator of the Willett Research Group. This position will produce feature articles, requests for information (RFI), reports for University stakeholders and philanthropic organizations, along with other print and online communications. Under moderate guidance, the individual will research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications, and reports on complex and specialized subjects.

Responsibilities

• Prepares content for presentations and multiple audiences, including assembling and organizing data into text and figures for presentations, publications, grant applications, reports, newsletters, and websites.

• Edits and advises postdocs on writing scientific blog posts and articles for publication.

• Develops and writes articles highlighting recent scientific publications by postdocs and faculty.

• Researches and writes compelling articles and proposals that inspire philanthropy and disseminates research.

• Fulfills other writing, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial duties as needed.

• Collaborates with communications colleagues across the University to plan and implement communications that uphold University messaging, tone, style, and brand guidelines.

• Researches, verifies, writes, and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.

• Uses knowledge of writing with moderate level of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized fields (e.g., scientific writing).

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Writing news and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets.
• Editing the work of others, writers and non-writers.
• Interviewing a wide range of subject matter experts, including academics and scientific researchers.
• Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of Google Docs, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, Keynote, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, and other design and creative programs.
• Familiarity with research and concepts in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptionally strong writing skills; able to produce clear, compelling, and eloquent text.
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to translate complicated scientific concepts for multiple audiences.
• Keen understanding of creative content trends and best practices.
• High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Application Requirements

• Cover Letter (Required)
• Resume (Required)
• Writing Sample (Required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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