Research Science Writer (Limited) - 138777

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University Communications Public Relations team drives strategic outreach and engagement in support of internal and external communications for UC San Diego, while also collaborating on content development with University Communications colleagues.

University Communications PR professionals are expert storytellers who utilize best-in-class internal and external communications channels to deliver the unique stories of the university's people, schools and colleges as well as key initiatives and programs. The PR function drives earned media efforts by cultivating and leveraging relationships with key regional, vertical and global media to elevate the university's profile of prestige, distinction and global leadership in research, medicine, science, engineering, technology, policy, management, the arts and more. The PR team also leads communications for the university's distinguished research centers and institutes, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Qualcomm Institute and leading collaborations in robotics, energy, materials discovery and design and other emerging areas.

Additionally, the University Communications PR team serves as a critical resource for communications strategy and support for staff and faculty engagement communications initiatives in support of the university's advancement, student affairs, human resources and library functions by integrating and aligning with strategic university priorities and initiatives. Issues and crisis communications are managed through this team.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Executive Director, Academic & Research Communications, the Research Science Writer is responsible for producing and editing clear, compelling, and accurate stories that highlight UC San Diego research and innovation for broad internal and external audiences. This role focuses on reporting, interviewing, and translating complex scientific and technical information into accessible narratives across print, social media and digital platforms.

The Research Science Writer writes, edits, and refines a wide range of comprehensive and complex materials, ensuring stylistic consistency, logical organization, accuracy, and effective emphasis. The role reports on interdisciplinary and campus-wide research initiatives, translating complex scientific and scholarly work into accessible, compelling narratives for broad audiences. This position conducts research, identifies and interviews subject-matter experts, selects appropriate sources, and collaborates closely with communicators embedded within schools, divisions, and research units to surface deeper, cross-cutting stories. The Research Science writer verifies factual content to ensure high-quality and reliable communications.

This position recommends content structure and layout, edits and coordinates the production of written materials, and supports the adaptation and conversion of content for online formats and archives. Working under general direction, the Research Science Writer exercises sound judgment in applying established editorial standards, collaborating with school leadership and campus-wide communications partners, and meeting deadlines while supporting institutional messaging and storytelling priorities.

• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required.

• This position has recently been accreted into the UAW union and will be a part of that union moving forward.

• Please submit a cover letter along with a resume for consideration.

• Professional writing experience with relevant published clips (Science/Tech/Health or Research-focused writing).

• Experience writing about academic research in a higher education environment.

• Experience drafting press releases and working within review/approval workflows.

• Familiarity with digital publishing workflows (CMS) and web writing best practices.

• Experience adapting stories for multiple channels (web, newsletters, social).

• Bachelor's degree in a related area with 3+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience / training.

• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.

• Thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.

• Thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and / or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the location's message.

• Thorough knowledge of the location, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies.

• Thorough knowledge of issues in higher education, a specialized academic discipline or field and / or health sciences.Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, and / or web production.

• Thorough research and fact verification skills. Thorough knowledge of editing and fact-checking.

• Thorough interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Thorough analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Thorough attention to detail, project management and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Skill to maintain confidentiality.

• Thorough interviewing, reporting, and explanatory writing skills; ability to learn new technical topics quickly.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace