Associate Science Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Science Writer

🔹 Company: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

🔹 Location: Boston, MA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Science & Research

🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Fully Remote with occasional on-campus time in Boston, MA

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating and editing research-focused content for various Dana-Farber platforms
• Collaborating with the video team to produce multimedia content
• Supporting Executive Communications and developing press releases
• Building relationships with senior scientists and maintaining a network of contacts within the Institute
• Translating complex scientific concepts for lay audiences

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong narrative writing skills, the ability to work under tight deadline pressure, and a keen interest in scientific research and communication.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Write and edit scientific and research-related content for various Dana-Farber platforms, including publications, blogs, and social media

✅ Collaborate with the video team to develop audio and video content that promotes understanding and support of Dana-Farber research

✅ Support Executive Communications efforts with writing and editing assignments as needed

✅ Work with the web team to organize, develop, write, and edit content for assigned sections of the different Dana-Farber web sites

✅ Evaluate research papers to determine their applicability for various owned channels

✅ Develop story ideas and press releases relating to research published in major scientific journals and other work in progress throughout the Institute

✅ Edit and/or proofread stories and press releases

✅ Maintain contact with assigned scientific, clinical, and administrative staff in all areas of the Institute to stay current with breaking research and major events

✅ Keep abreast of major advances and trends in the fields of cancer research, treatment, and prevention

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration with various teams and departments within the Institute, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, writing, or a scientific discipline

Experience: 2 years of professional writing or publications experience, with a strong portfolio of science writing

Required Skills:

• Ability to build relationships with senior-level scientists and clinical investigators
• Strong narrative writing, perceptive and probing interview skills
• Ability to write thoughtfully and prolifically under tight deadline pressure, translating difficult science into clear language for lay audiences
• Excellent knowledge of grammar and spelling
• Skill at developing rapport with staff at all levels of the Institute and building a reliable network of contacts and sources
• Capacity to edit and revise researchers’ copy, improving readability while ensuring accuracy
• Versatility to modify writing style for different audiences and purposes
• Familiarity with marketing and fundraising communications
• Ability to negotiate and be diplomatic, especially during the text-clearing process
• Understanding and ability to conduct audio and video interviews

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in a second language
• Experience with content management systems

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience in healthcare or science writing would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level science writer in Boston)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with occasional on-campus time in Boston, MA

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leading cancer research and treatment center, focused on conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases.

Company Size: Dana-Farber has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.

Founded: Dana-Farber was founded in 1947 and is affiliated with Harvard Medical School.

Company Description:

• Dana-Farber is committed to providing expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer, while advancing the understanding, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases.
• The Institute is known for its innovative clinical trials and cutting-edge research, as well as its dedication to community engagement and public health initiatives.
• Dana-Farber is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Company Specialties:

• Cancer research
• Adult cancer treatment
• AIDS research
• Pediatric cancer treatment
• Innovation
• Research
• Patient Services
• and Technology

Company Website: https://www.dana-farber.org/

ASSUMPTION: Dana-Farber's mission and values are deeply rooted in its commitment to patient care, research, and community engagement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level science writer

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Senior Science Writer and works closely with various teams, including the video team, web team, and Executive Communications.

Work Arrangement: This role is fully remote with occasional on-campus time in Boston, MA. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Senior Science Writer role with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities
• possibility to expand skills and expertise in multimedia production and content management
• Opportunities for professional development and training through Dana-Farber's tuition assistance and employee development programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop skills and advance their career within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Dana-Farber's main campus is located in Boston, MA, with additional facilities in the surrounding communities.

Office Location(s): 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Geographic Context:

• Boston is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene
• The city is home to numerous universities and research institutions, providing ample opportunities for professional networking and collaboration
• Boston has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with occasional on-campus time in Boston, MA

ASSUMPTION: While this role is primarily remote, occasional on-campus time may be required for meetings, events, or other work-related activities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final round interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Understanding of scientific research and ability to translate complex concepts
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Dana-Farber's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant writing experience and skills
• Include a portfolio of your science writing samples, demonstrating your ability to translate complex scientific concepts for lay audiences
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in and understanding of the role and the organization

ATS Keywords: Science writing, research communication, narrative writing, editing, multimedia production, press release, story development, cancer research, healthcare communication

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences, and be prepared to discuss their portfolio of science writing samples during the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content management systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress)
• Multimedia production software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Caring
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and detail-oriented
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a strong commitment to Dana-Farber's mission and values?
• Am I able to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Do I have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with senior-level scientists and clinical investigators?
• Am I able to work under tight deadline pressure and translate complex scientific concepts for lay audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Dana-Farber's values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Navigating a large and complex organization with multiple stakeholders
• Balancing the need for accuracy and clarity in scientific communication with the need to meet tight deadlines
• Occasional on-campus time in Boston, MA, which may require travel and accommodation

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in the role and require strong time management, communication, and interpersonal skills to navigate successfully.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to a Senior Science Writer role, this position has fewer supervisory responsibilities and may involve less strategic decision-making
• Compared to a Science Writer role, this position requires more experience and may involve more complex and high-profile projects
• Career path comparison: This role provides an opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in science writing and communication, with potential for advancement to a Senior Science Writer or similar role in the future

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their career goals and aspirations when comparing this role to similar positions within and outside of Dana-Farber.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a multimedia series on cutting-edge cancer research at Dana-Farber
• Writing a series of blog posts on cancer prevention and early detection for Dana-Farber's website
• Editing and fact-checking a research paper on cancer treatment for publication in a major scientific journal

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from multimedia production to editing and fact-checking.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow for a project from start to finish?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and departments within Dana-Farber?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role?
• How does Dana-Farber support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the most challenging aspect of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in it?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating their interest in and understanding of the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant writing experience and skills
• Prepare a portfolio of your science writing samples, demonstrating your ability to translate complex scientific concepts for lay audiences
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in and understanding of the role and the organization
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.