Academic Research Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston University's award-winning External Affairs division seeks a Research Writer to find, report, write, and edit stories that promote Boston University research and researchers. A journalist with strong reportorial and storytelling skills, the Research Writer assists with the everyday editorial workings of The Brink website, identifying original research stories throughout BU's schools, colleges, and centers. The individual should have a passion for science and the ability to apply a broad range of storytelling approaches, writing substantive features and covering breaking news, and be able to consider how stories will be shared and promoted across a range of formats, including web, print, and social media. The Research Writer will report to the Editor for The Brink Boston University is a leading private research and teaching institution with more than 38,000 students, 11,000 faculty and staff, 300 programs of study, and 130 research centers and institutes. Our scholars are at the forefront of innovation, successfully competing for more than $574 million in sponsored research awards last year. Our students come from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, and nearly 20 percent of our undergraduates are first-generation college students. In addition to your resume and cover letter, please also provide two to three relevant writing clips or a link to a portfolio.
What You'll Own
Reporting and writing research stories. Find, report, and write stories of every length about the research, researchers, awards, and grants that define Boston University. Your work will appear in The Brink and across other University channels, including BU Today and Bostonia. You will read research papers and academic writing closely, then translate what matters into clear, compelling language for the media and the public, calibrated to the audience and the channel. You will also help the Editor adapt content from other University publications. Finding the next story. Build relationships with researchers and communicators across BU's schools, colleges, and centers. Attend lectures and events, follow the journals, and stay ahead of emerging trends in science, engineering, health, and other key research areas. Work with the Editor to decide how each story is best reported and promoted. Bringing stories to life visually. Partner with the photo, production, and video teams to arrange the photography, video, and design that strengthen the storytelling. Getting the work seen. Collaborate with the social media and PR teams to shape and promote stories for audiences inside and outside the University, including across social platforms.
Work Arrangement
This position is hybrid and requires three days per week on campus at 985 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. Tuesday and Wednesday are required in-office days. The third in-office day is determined in consultation with the manager. Position requires occasional night and weekend work.
Compensation and Benefits
Boston University offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents, retirement contributions, health and dental coverage, and paid time off.
Required Skills
What You'll Bring
Required
Bachelor's degree.
Three to five years of relevant experience, including writing research and science news.
Familiarity with scientific/technical terms and the ability to comprehend research and academic writing and translate it into lay terms for different audiences.
Must have strong writing and reporting skills; an enthusiasm for telling stories about science, medicine, and technology; and the ability to distill complicated science and research into engaging prose for a general audience.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.