Brainfacts Staff Writer/Editor, Specialist

Position Summary

The BrainFacts.orgStaff 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.orgStaff Writer/Editor will work with a witty and good-humored group with diverse skillsets and experiences. The BrainFacts.orgStaff Writer/Editor will produce bylined articles and contribute to reporting and writing for various multimedia formats. This role will also serve as a first editor, doing line edits, fact-checking, and coaching writers through development on assigned and pitched stories.

We’re looking for a self-starter with a strong work ethic and sense of exploration. We encourage creativity and a willingness to experiment. We welcome 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 and outreach associate on content geared toward educators, and with the editorial production associate to deliver content according to standards and practices while meeting deadlines.

This is a full-time position with benefits. We are not looking for freelancers or part-time support.

Essential Job Functions

• 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.
• Lead the reporting coverage of Neuroscience, SfN’s annual meeting, for BrainFacts.org
• 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

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 developing stories targeted toward a non-scientific audience
• Experience cultivating scientific sources and reporting stories from primary scientific sources including research papers, scientific meetings, and interviews with scientists and clinicians.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy
• Superior research and fact-checking skills
• Ability to edit and coach other writers in story style, development, and tone
• Ability to synthesize and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders
• Awareness of issues in inclusive reporting in health and science
• Familiarity with editorial workflows and publications
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues in and outside of their team
• Ability to manage reporting and writing for multiple stories in various stages of the editorial workflow
• Ability to adapt to changes in priority or processes

Location

Remote:Employees can work remotely within the U.S. as part of a 35-hour workweekwith core hours from 10am-3pm Eastern time. A reliable high-speed internet connection is essential.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of 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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee may be required to travel.

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.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

During SfN’s Annual Meeting, the employee may do extensive walking, sitting, and lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plan through United Healthcare with a fully funded HRA up to $1,500, plus dental and vision coverage through MetLife
• Remote and hybrid work flexibility
• 40-52 days of annual paid time off based on tenure, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• 20 days of paid parental leave for new parents
• Retirement plans with employer contributions up to 8%
• Education assistance
• ASAE memberships
• Wellness and technology stipend
• Flexible Fridays
• Employee assistance plans
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts

How to apply

Interested applicants may submit their cover letter and resume online at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=8b6d41ce-5cc2-495d-a05b-f868a0835315&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US. If you are unable to access the direct link, go to https://www.sfn.org/ and scroll to the bottom and select "Jobs at SfN" under Quick Links. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls/emails, please.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Society for Neuroscience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.