Senior Writer

This is a Contract position for one year. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs of the department.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry strives to be a top-ranked and recognized leader in the chemical and biochemical sciences through transformative research and impactful educational programs. We are committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring excellence and supporting students and postdoctoral researchers in safe and inclusive environments as they prepare to become leaders in science and society. We value collegiality, equity and diversity with the Department, and promote a culture of collaboration and transparency.

We aim to enhance our impact in local and global communities through partnerships with other educators, industry, government and professional societies. Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus.

The department's organization is divided among three major academic sections each with its own leadership representation under the Department Chair: Physical, Analytical & Environmental (PAE); Biochemistry & Biophysics (BB); and finally Synthesis, Materials and Chemical Biology (SMCB). The department is comprised of 75 ladder rank faculty, and additional 10 in various instructional titles and ~150 in academic research titles and postdoctoral scholars. The department is comprised of 90 career staff; ~60 temporary or student staff, and 480 Master's and Ph.D. students. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry number greater than 1,700, and total undergraduate and graduate annual course enrollments exceed 23,000.

The department manages three major NIH training grants, and one Department of Education training grant, which fund graduate and postdoctoral students across UCSD departments/disciplines as well as off campus research organizations. The department currently has more than 120 awards from federal, state and private sources for approximately $20 million per annum in extramural funding and $46 million in total annual expenditures.

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator, the Senior Writer will write or edit a variety of comprehensive and difficult material for stylistic consistency, logic, organization, rational development of content, and emphasis. Incumbent will be expected to research and ensure accuracy of written pieces, recommend content and layout, edit, and coordinate production of a variety of materials, or conversion of printed pieces to online formats and archives.

The Senior Writer will establish, coordinate, and maintain schedules for the publications, proposals, and other educational materials such as technical text, creation of hi-resolution artwork, and research materials.

This is a hybrid position but will require weekly onsite availability.

• Submission of a cover letter along with a resume is required for a complete application.

• Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communication, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with and expertise in the dissemination of written text, editing techniques and standards, attention to detail, production of manuscripts, textbooks and other major publications. Thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.
• Thorough knowledge of issues in higher education, a specialized academic discipline or field and / or health sciences. Theoretical knowledge of Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related field generally acquired through a Bachelor's Degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of Molecular Biology techniques, including PCR, DNA/RNA/protein isolation and molecular cloning.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable publishing software applications. Demonstrated skill using various computers and software including Microsoft Office and a variety of WWW-related programs, browsers, and HTML editors. Demonstrated ability to manipulate, edit, and create highly detailed annotated text. Ability to troubleshoot and fix basic computer related problems. Willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation. High-level knowledge of publishing process, including, contracts, layout and design. Ability to supervise a publication project from inception to completion.
• Thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and / or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the lo