Position: Science Writer Location: Corporate Headquarters - DC Department: National Academy of Sciences Job Reqs #: 110110-7 and 110104-7Basic Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a scientific field and professional writing experience. A minimum of 2 years of experience writing about complex scientific topics for a variety of audiences, ranging from the general public to scientists. The Science Writer should have a demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, respond to editorial comments, and interview scientists. Familiarity with podcasting, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, and audio editing software is a plus. Additional education in the physical or earth sciences, such as a MS or PhD, is desired.
Description The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is the National Academy of Science's official peer-reviewed journal of original scientific research. Since the journal's establishment in 1914, it has published cutting-edge research reports, commentaries, reviews, perspectives, colloquium papers, and actions of the Academy. Coverage in PNAS spans the biological, physical, and social sciences. The Science Writer will compose ~200 word lay-language summaries (i.e., press tips) of PNAS articles selected for press interest and will also write one sentence descriptions of other press interest papers. In addition, the writer will prepare ~200 word scientific summaries of research articles for online and print publication in "This Week in PNAS" (TWIP). On an occasional rush basis, the Science Writer will convert and rewrite press tips into TWIP summaries. The writer will be responsible for interviewing Academy members and other scientists for podcasts, question and answer-style interviews, and biographical profiles, which often accompany the member's inaugural article in PNAS. The Science Writer will liaise with the authors of summarized papers regarding revisions, artwork, media contact information, embargoes, and related issues, and will write, edit, and create new media pieces as needed for online and print publication. Additional responsibilities will include editing author summaries submitted with PNAS Plus manuscripts, copyediting other documents as needed, assisting with the preparation of Web content, answering queries from authors/reporters/press officers, providing back-up assistance with the duties of other media staff, and assisting with other projects as needed. APPLY ONLINE: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=NAS&cws=1&rid=7144Pleaseaddress cover letters to Ann Griswold, Media and Communications Manager.
