π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Science Writer
πΉ Company: Wellcome Trust
πΉ Location: London, United Kingdom
πΉ Job Type: Permanent
πΉ Category: Science & Research
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-04-09
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
π 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.
π Key Responsibilities
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Produce a range of technical scientific content for internal and external channels, including specialist research publications
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Attend events and workshops and produce reports, papers, and other written documents
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Contribute to a thought leadership program by writing articles aimed at the scientific community and other specialist audiences
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Provide writing support to wider Corporate Affairs on specific projects involving a technical/specialist audience
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Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organization
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
π― 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.
π° 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.
π Applicant Insights
π 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.
π 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.
π 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.
πΌ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
β οΈ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
β 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.
π 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
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.