Science and Technology Writer – $38.97 to $69.63 per hour
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s Strategic Communications and External Affairs (SC&EA) is seeking an on-call science and technology writer. Reporting to the Managing Editor and News Center Lead, the part-time writer will create written materials (news stories, social media posts, etc.) about SLAC’s groundbreaking research, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge programs, and amazing people.
The successful candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm and talent for science writing, paired with skill in creating compelling, accurate, concise and audience-appropriate written materials and the ability to sometimes work under very tight deadlines. Work will be performed remotely on an on-call basis as assigned by the Managing Editor and News Center Lead.
SC&EA seeks to communicate the vitality and breadth of science and technology at the laboratory. Working closely with SLAC staff, SC&EA drives SLAC’s internal and external communication efforts and promotes the laboratory’s mission through effective and imaginative communications to a wide range of audiences including the general public, press and media, educators, congressional representatives, funding agencies and members of the local community.
Note: This is a non-benefits eligible casual-nonexempt position (work less than 50% full-time equivalent), not to exceed 980 hours in a calendar year.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park.
Your specific responsibilities include:
- Research (including interviews with subject matter experts) and write materials on a broad range of topics about the laboratory as assigned.
- Work with SC&EA staff to determine scope of writing, deadlines, lab contacts and required approvals at the outset of each project.
- Complete all tasks required on time and within budget. Deliver finalized, formatted documents as specified.
- Design and produce specific materials for web and print delivery as assigned.
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships with individuals and groups to ensure written materials are accurate, useful and appropriate.
- Archive, document and record consistent with documentation standards.
- Occasional editing tasks may be assigned.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, communications or related field or a combination of education and experience performing responsibilities similar to those listed above.
- Minimum 5 years of experience writing in a science/technology/communications capacity (must be able to provide examples of writing portfolio).
- Ability to translate complex topics into terms easily understandable by broad audiences including employees, public and policymakers.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong writing, proofreading, and project management skills. Familiarity with AP style, and ability to follow style guides.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively in both scientific and non-technical settings.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with word processing software.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
- Producing external communications in organizations with a scientific and/or technology focus.
- Experience with creating compelling copy for social media.
- Some experience with editing scientific or technical documents.
SLAC Employee Competencies:
- Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
- Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
- Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
- Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
- Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
- Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
- Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, team collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
Physical requirements and working conditions:
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Given the nature of this position, work will be performed remotely.
Work Standards:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu