Science Writer (Part-time Staff Position)

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is seeking a scientifically fluent storyteller with exceptional writing and editing skills for a part-time staff position. The ideal candidate has a background or demonstrated interest in scientific research, excellent writing and interviewing skills, and an ability to meet deadlines. This position will be hired at 60% of full time, with some flexibility in scheduling, and offers pay and paid time off commensurate with experience.  

Damon Runyon is internationally recognized for its long-standing role in identifying and supporting the most outstanding young scientists in the nation committed to finding innovative approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer. Learn more at damonrunyon.org.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Marketing, this position has the following responsibilities:   

• Translate scientific information into compelling content for non-scientific audiences for use in Damon Runyon’s fundraising and marketing initiatives.  
• Draft research project descriptions for Damon Runyon award recipients for use in press releases, website summaries, and donor proposals and reports. 
• Write and edit copy for newsletters, website, e-newsletters, brochures, science updates to donors, annual reports, social media, and special editorial projects. 
• Pitch feature story ideas for Momentum (the Damon Runyon print newsletter), annual reports, and other longer form projects. 
• Conduct interviews with funded scientists, cancer patients, board members, major donors, and other key constituents. 
• Produce/publish web stories and collaborate with designers on print pieces as needed. 
• Attend weekly communications team meeting, monthly staff meeting, and other meetings as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3-5 years of experience in science journalism or equivalent experience writing about science or medicine/health for lay audiences. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of cancer research and/or biomedical science; experience in laboratory research a plus. 
• Ability to read and analyze scientific proposals, reports, and publications.  
• Excellent writing skills, editorial judgment, grammar, and awareness of effective visual presentation on digital platforms and social media.  
• Expertise in using CMS (Drupal a plus.)  
• Ability to write quickly, work efficiently, and juggle multiple priorities. 
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Meghan McCurdy, Director of Communications and Marketing, at meghan.mccurdy@damonrunyon.org. Writing samples and references will be requested from candidates at a later step in the hiring process.