Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

A SCIENCE WRITER position is available in the Communications department.  The Science Writer is responsible for promoting the Institute’s achievements and reputation as a preeminent biomedical research organization to target audiences including the research community, biopharma industry, donors and general public.

This position serves as a key contributor, writer and project coordinator of publications that may include electronic media, press releases, newsletters, collateral and other digital communications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Writes scientific content for use in publications and electronic media
• Generates ideas that support the overall communications strategy
• Conceptualizes, researches and drafts scientific press releases
• Conceptualizes, researches and writes science and nonscientific blog posts
• Serves as collaborator and writer for the Institute’s news magazine
• Produces and posts content for all social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Determines content, ensures accuracy and over-sees production and distribution for monthly e-newsletter to the Institute’s support base
• Contributes content to the Institute’s internal intranet, digital signage and external website
• Completes multiple assignments and projects simultaneously while delivering accurate, high-quality pieces
• Assists with writing internal communications

Required Skills Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, communications or journalism and a minimum of four years combination of professional-level communications, media relations and/or project management work experience or equivalent combination of training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained
• Master’s degree a science-related field, communications or journalism preferred

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Superior written and verbal communications skills
• Strong experience writing and interpreting medical research for a general audience
• Storytelling ability to successfully engage lay audiences in publicity materials
• Experience using social media as a marketing or outreach tool
• Experience writing, producing and distributing digital communications
• Communications or public relations experience in a medical research or science-related environment is desirable
• Possess strong grammar skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Be responsible, organized, and a problem solver
• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with content management systems such as SharePoint and WordPress
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is desirable
• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

The scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health. 

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law.  For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.