SUMMARY

The BrainFacts.org Staff Writer/Editor, Specialist contributes to BrainFacts.org at all stages of the editorial process from pitching, reporting, writing, and editing stories and products for the publication. The BrainFacts.org Staff Writer/Editor will work with a witty and good-humored group with diverse skillsets and experiences. The BrainFacts.org Staff Writer/Editor will have plenty of bylined articles and other opportunities for storytelling in various formats. This role will also serve as a first editor, doing line edits, fact-checking, and coaching writers through story development. 

We value a strong work ethic, a sense of curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and self-awareness. We welcome new ideas and approaches and appreciate storytelling enthusiasts with a talent for writing and editing for a science-curious, but non-scientific audience. 

This specialist-level position reports directly to the BrainFacts.org senior editor in the Public Communications & BrainFacts.org department of the Society for Neuroscience. This role also works occasionally with the web communications specialist related to content geared toward educators and outreach and the editorial production associated with the general editorial workflow.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Execute BrainFacts.org’s editorial vision to deliver compelling, trustworthy neuroscience stories to a lay audience.
• Leverage knowledge of history, current events, and trends related to the brain and nervous system research and new discoveries to develop stories.
• Research and write a mix of longer feature stories and shorter articles for BrainFacts.org, including a monthly roundup of neuroscience news.
• Serve as first editor for BrainFacts.org to ensure content is scientifically accurate, engaging, and consistent with the BrainFacts.org voice, working with staff and freelancers; fact-checking and copy editing as necessary.
• Participate in weekly editorial meetings and stakeholder or advisory meetings
• Support multimedia projects such as videos, animation, infographics, and interactives. 
• Support the outreach activities of the department that include occasional assignments geared toward the creation of resources for educators, or interfacing with the public.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree; preferably in science, journalism, or science communication
• 3-5 years of experience with pitching/writing/editing articles that translate science for a lay audience, or a master’s-level science communication degree  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional verbal, writing, and editing skills 
• Solid news judgement
• Experience interviewing scientists and clinicians for stories
• Superior research and fact-checking skills
• Ability to edit and coach other writers in story style, development, and tone
• Awareness of issues in inclusive reporting in health and science 
• Familiarity with editorial workflows and publications
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, other departments, and scientific reviewers 
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to be flexible to changing priorities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a flexible manner to address changing needs and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders

Language Ability: 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Math Ability: 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:                                                               

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent should have MS Office experience, and CMS preferred.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to work as a collaborative team member.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Requirements:   

Please provide a resume, cover letter, and three clips with your application. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. Please feel free to submit your items together as one pdf document and include your clips as links at the bottom of your resume.

EEO Statement:  

The Society for Neuroscience is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the Society for Neuroscience, visit the website at: www.sfn.org.

Application Requirements:   

Please provide a resume, cover letter, and three clips with your application. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. Please feel free to submit your items together as one pdf document and include your clips as links at the bottom of your resume.