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Science Writer

Wellcome Trust
Full-time
On-site
London, City of, United Kingdom
✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Science Writer

πŸ”Ή Company: Wellcome Trust

πŸ”Ή Location: London, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Permanent

πŸ”Ή Category: Science & Research

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-04-09

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and delivering scientific content and thought leadership
  • Producing technical scientific content for various channels
  • Contributing to a thought leadership program aligned with Wellcome's mission
  • Collaborating across departments to maintain a diverse and inclusive culture

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong written communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Produce a range of technical scientific content for internal and external channels, including specialist research publications

βœ… Attend events and workshops and produce reports, papers, and other written documents

βœ… Contribute to a thought leadership program by writing articles aimed at the scientific community and other specialist audiences

βœ… Provide writing support to wider Corporate Affairs on specific projects involving a technical/specialist audience

βœ… Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organization

ASSUMPTION: The role may require working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific or technical field

Experience: Proven experience in scientific or technical writing and adapting complex information into various outputs

Required Skills:

  • Experience as a writer, either as a journalist, in an agency, or in-house
  • Outstanding written communication skills, including excellent storytelling, grammar, clarity of expression, interviewing technique
  • Ability to build rapport and influence a diverse range of stakeholders at all levels, including senior staff

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in a scientific or research environment
  • Knowledge of Wellcome's mission and research areas

ASSUMPTION: A background in journalism or a related field may be beneficial but is not strictly required.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£58,400 per year (as stated in the job description)

Benefits:

  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Generous pension contributions
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life assurance
  • Income protection
  • Employee assistance program
  • Wellbeing initiatives

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible working options available

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job description and is typical for a Science Writer role in the UK.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation that supports science to solve urgent health challenges facing everyone. They focus on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, climate and health, and infectious diseases.

Company Size: The Wellcome Trust has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: The Wellcome Trust was founded in 1936 and has since grown into one of the world's largest charitable foundations supporting research to improve health.

Company Description:

  • The Wellcome Trust supports discovery research into life, health, and wellbeing
  • They take on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, climate and health, and infectious diseases
  • Their mission is to improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships

Company Specialties:

  • Biomedical research
  • Technology transfer
  • Public health
  • Genome
  • Ethics
  • Public engagement
  • Investments
  • Innovation
  • Humanities and social science
  • Science
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Vaccine
  • Drug-resistant infections
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Public engagement
  • Philanthropy
  • COVID-19
  • Mental health
  • Climate change
  • Global heating
  • And infectious disease

Company Website: https://www.wellcome.org/

ASSUMPTION: The Wellcome Trust is a well-established organization with a strong reputation in the scientific community and a clear mission to improve health worldwide.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career science writers looking to develop their skills and gain experience in a global research organization.

Reporting Structure: The Science Writer will report to the Stakeholder Communications Lead within the Corporate Affairs department.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid working arrangement, with 3 days in the office (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) and 2 days working remotely.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Exposure to various scientific disciplines and research areas
  • Collaboration with experts in the field and other departments
  • Potential to contribute to high-impact research and thought leadership

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and supportive work environment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Wellcome Trust's headquarters is located in a modern office building in central London, with easy access to public transportation.

Office Location(s): 215 Euston Road, London, UK NW1 2BE

Geographic Context:

  • London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse neighborhoods
  • The office is situated near several parks, museums, and other attractions
  • London offers a wide range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban family homes

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with core hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, the hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility for employees to work from home on certain days.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a better work-life balance while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and learning.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Writing samples and portfolio
  • Interview questions focused on communication skills, adaptability, and cultural fit
  • Background and experience in scientific or technical writing

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
  • Prepare writing samples that demonstrate your ability to adapt complex information into various outputs
  • Research the Wellcome Trust's mission and values to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization

ATS Keywords: Scientific Writing, Technical Writing, Research, Editing, Storytelling, Communication, Collaboration, Influencing, Content Development, Report Writing, Interviews, Narrative Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Thought Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion

ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the organization's interview schedule.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
  • Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the projects and teams the Science Writer works with.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Bold
  • Curious
  • Kind
  • Open
  • Tenacious

Work Style:

  • Collaborative
  • Adaptable
  • Innovative
  • Results-driven
  • Customer-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you share Wellcome's values, and how do they resonate with your personal and professional beliefs?
  • How do you approach adapting complex scientific information into various outputs for different audiences?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to build rapport with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve a common goal?

ASSUMPTION: The Wellcome Trust places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and seeks candidates who align with their values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
  • Working with complex scientific or technical information
  • Navigating a large, decentralized organization

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Science Writer vs. Science Journalist: Science Writers focus on creating content for specific audiences, while Science Journalists report on scientific developments for general audiences
  • Science Writer vs. Technical Writer: Science Writers specialize in scientific content, while Technical Writers create documentation for various technical audiences
  • Career progression: Science Writers may progress to roles such as Senior Science Writer, Science Editor, or Science Communications Manager

ASSUMPTION: The Science Writer role is distinct from other writing roles, with a focus on scientific content and thought leadership.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a series of blog posts on recent research findings in a specific scientific field
  • Creating a comprehensive report on a complex scientific topic for a non-technical audience
  • Writing a thought leadership article on the intersection of climate change and health for a specialist journal

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of content and audiences that the Science Writer may work with in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Stakeholder Communications Team?
  • How does the Science Writer role contribute to Wellcome's overall mission and vision?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role?
  • How does the hybrid work arrangement support work-life balance and collaboration?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and provide insight into the work environment and expectations.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the following link: https://wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Wellcome/job/London/Science-Writer_R-002351-1
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
  • Prepare writing samples that demonstrate your ability to adapt complex information into various outputs
  • Research the Wellcome Trust's mission and values to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative two weeks after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

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