About the job
Science Writer Position Summary

As an integral member of the Communications team, the Science Writer researches, writes, edits and proofs content for communicating the scientific advances of Flagship Pioneering and its companies, with a special emphasis on scientific discoveries for the lay audience. Editorial responsibilities include supporting news, media outreach, website content, and science-related collateral. The incumbent must be an excellent writer, editor and communicator who can work with scientists, company creators, leadership, and other staff.

Under the direction of the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Social Impact, the Science Writer develops a range of public-facing content, including but not limited to one-pagers, Q&As, essays, origination stories, infographics, web content, video scripts, newsletters and other science-related collateral. The Science Writer is a strategic thinker with expertise in writing, editing and pitching stories and must exhibit a strong desire and ability to serve the needs of a fast-paced, high-volume Communications and Public Affairs team while taking a deadline-driven approach in helping to shape and publish materials to meet standards for content consistency and editorial style.

Responsibilities

• Identify and execute opportunities for storytelling across Flagship’s scientific exploration and company origination process
• Write stories as needed about scientific advances, research, and milestone moments related to Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem of companies
• Collaborate with broader communications team on production of multimedia content in support of communications campaigns including graphic design, web design, and video production
• Stay abreast of developments across the scientific landscape to identify opportunities for relevant storytelling and opportunities to demonstrate Flagship’s thought leadership through new and/or repurposed content
• Analyze and interpret scientific papers and write clear, compelling, and accurate content for multiple audiences, for use in print, web, video, social media, and multimedia
• Manage scientific communications with co-authors, collaborators, graphic designers, video producers and editors, and others to ensure quality and scientific accuracy of final products
• Produce high-quality written content in various styles/tones
• Manage on-time delivery of content projects and programs
• Independently handle multiple tasks on deadline in fast-paced environment
• Keep up to date with trends/best practices in scientific communication and writing
• Ensure that work products conform to formatting and internal/external requirements, are free of errors, and that scientific ideas are presented clearly, accurately, and persuasively
• Other communications duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years’ experience supporting scientific communication
• Previous work experience in communications or journalism.
• Master’s degree in biology, computational biology, genomics, medicine, chemistry, or other related fields including communications/journalism. PhD and postgraduate research experience preferred.
• Ability to understand and synthesize large amounts of clinical, genomic, computational, and biological data and narratives in order to summarize the salient points.
• Ability to translate difficult science concepts for multiple audiences.
• Ability to discuss and interview on scientific topics and ask probing questions regarding scientific research.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communications skills.
• Must be adept at gathering information through interviews and consultations.
• Ability to select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams and charts to illustrate material.
• Experience with a wide array of writing assignments including essays, articles, newsletters, website copy, speeches, news releases, and special events programs
• Must be flexible and able to drive deadline-driven projects to completion.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Capable of coordinating work by numerous contributors and managing complex processes to on-deadline delivery
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and people skills.
• Self-starter, able to set priorities, and work independently.
• Must be able to deal with a rapidly-changing and high-demand environment.
• Demonstrated mastery of the English language and strong communication skills, including composition (spelling and grammar), editing and proofreading. Skill to draft and edit correspondence, articles, and other copy.
• Knowledge of AP and Chicago Writing Styles.
• Basic knowledge of the scientific publication process.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s in journalism, science journalism, public relations, communications or biological sciences a plus
• Training in medicine and/or biological science a plus
• Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.