Writer Editor

Job Overview

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) invites applications for a full-time Writer Editor role within the Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), a leader in collaborative biomedical research. The position demands a technically proficient leader with specialized knowledge, tasked with researching, writing, editing, and publishing a variety of written communications including scientific publications, proposals, speeches, and promotional content targeting broad and influential audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and revise high-level scientific communications including comprehensive reviews, primary research articles, federally sponsored research documents, grant proposals, and industry collaboration content.
• Create diverse content for various media platforms such as print, audio, video, and web to effectively communicate QBI's research and achievements.
• Produce news articles, press releases, profiles, briefings, blogs, website copy, and promotional materials.
• Conduct thorough literature research, select credible interviewees, and ensure factual accuracy in all written materials.
• Manage copyright permissions for publication materials as required.
• Advise clients on communication strategies and provide subject matter expertise across multiple projects.
• Edit and oversee production quality of written materials for clarity, consistency, and accuracy.
• Plan and implement social media content highlighting QBI initiatives and accomplishments.
• Evaluate manuscript submissions, recommend publications, and collaborate with authors to develop quality content.
• Potentially lead and manage freelance staff including hiring and project assignments.
• Respond to media inquiries by directing reporters to appropriate media relations or experts as necessary.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of experience in writing and editing within academic settings.
• Strong independence and initiative for developing story ideas, outreach efforts, and innovative science communication projects.
• Expertise in writing, grammar, style, syntax, and punctuation, capable of crafting compelling narratives for targeted and broad audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of editorial styles and publication standards specific to biology or health sciences academia.
• Proficiency with publishing and web production software, data analysis tools, and figure/image creation applications.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, research, and fact-checking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, project management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Profound scientific expertise and discretion to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Doctorate (PhD or MD) in a related scientific discipline.
• Familiarity with UCSF and QBI’s mission, goals, and programmatic achievements.
• Experience in higher education, health sciences, or clinical fields.
• Skills in video and audio editing and publishing.
• Adaptability to a fast-changing research and development environment.
• Proven multitasking ability and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Technical knowledge in systems biology data integration and mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a plus.