Science Research Writer - Department of Developmental Neurobiology

About the role

Are you passionate about translating groundbreaking science into compelling stories that inform, inspire, and drive impact?

The Science Research Writer (SRW) for the Department of Developmental Neurobiology serves as a Science Communications Specialist. The SRW reports directly to the Administrative Director, also part of that team. The SRW shares with mainly with internal audiences how DNB contributes to St. Jude’s mission to find cures and save lives in ways that reflect our leadership culture, collaborative values, and scientific impact.

This communication may take any form (written articles, marketing materials, videos, infographics, etc.) and may be delivered through a variety of outlets (website, presentations, journal articles, etc.). The SRW also pitches stories and nominates department publications for press releases to St. Jude’s Strategic Communications, Education and Outreach (SCEO).

All external-facing projects will be collaborations between DNB and SCEO.

Relocation is required for candidates residing outside of the Memphis area. Relocation assistance will be provided.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator, trusted advisor, and skilled storyteller with a strong scientific background. They thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy coaching researchers, and have a proven ability to translate complex science into meaningful narratives that advance institutional goals and amplify scientific impact.

Join us in helping share the discoveries that advance the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Planning. Works with the Chair and Leadership Team to develop a strategic science communication pl
• an that aligns with St. Jude’s guidelines
• Editorial Management. Serves as the editorial manager and liaison with SCEO for department-level science communication projects
• Support Services. Provides DNB faculty, staff, and students with writing, editing, and other science communication services
• Researcher Training. Trains researchers on the best practices of science communication, including impactful presentations and plain-language writing

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive science communication strategy aligned with departmental and institutional goals
• Serve as the lead writer, editor, and communications advisor for DNB leadership
• Create and manage a wide range of content, including newsletters, websites, intranet content, social media, executive communications, presentations, annual reports, videos, and infographics
• Translate complex scientific discoveries into clear, compelling content for researchers, donors, collaborators, and public audiences
• Partner with St. Jude communications teams to support media opportunities, award nominations, and external storytelling efforts
• Design and deliver training programs that build faculty, staff, and trainee skills in scientific storytelling, plain-language writing, visual communication, and presentations
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, coordinating stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables
• Support editorial and publication activities as directed, including review and editing of manuscripts for scientific journals, grant applications, and other scientific documents, and production of institutional publications, such as the annual Scientific Report.
• Provide advice to authors (e.g., faculty, staff, fellows, and students) about effective approach, presentation, and publication/submission strategies.
• Track and report progress on editorial projects.
• Support development and presentation of seminars or other educational opportunities for St. Jude investigators.
• Participate in meetings of local and national editorial and related organizations to acquire new information and improve editing skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training

• Master's degree in life sciences or a related field required.

Preferred Training and/or Experience

• PhD preferred.
• Master’s degree or equivalent from a Science Communication program.
• 5+ years in journalism, public information officer or related field.
• Experience with posting to SharePoint or other website platforms.
• Social media management experience.
• Experience in academic medicine, biomedical research, healthcare, government, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience developing communication strategies and leading cross-functional projects.
• Experience training scientists, postdoctoral fellows, or students in communication best practices.
• Familiarity with web content management systems, social media, multimedia production, and visual communication tools.
• Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent experience.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum requirement: 2+ years of experience as a scientific editor or relevant research and publication.
• Experience in the construction of scientific documents (journal articles or grant applications) preferred.
• Experience in experimental design; statistical principles; effective display of scientific data; and publication policies, procedures, and ethics.
• Experience in the construction of NIH grant applications preferred.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only

• ELS (Editor in the Life Sciences) certification by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences preferred.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role.

This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $70,720 - $126,880 per year for the role of Science Research Writer - Department of Developmental Neurobiology.

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