Science Writer​/Editor

Company Description

The Science Writer/Editor at the Kempner Institute will be part of Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) within Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM), a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities.

Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) manages and facilitates the University’s relationships with the general public, media outlets, federal, state, and local governments, and our neighboring communities. HPAC advances information and communications related to the University’s mission of excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard seeks a Science Writer/Editor to create dynamic and engaging content that illuminates the Institute’s research and impact. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role focuses on storytelling and institutional writing that advances the Kempner Institute’s scientific and strategic priorities, and elevates the visibility of the Institute’s cutting-edge research, educational programs, community, and new initiatives.

The Kempner Institute’s mission is to build a community of scholars working across fields to solve some of the most compelling mysteries of our time by fundamentally advancing our understanding of natural and artificial intelligence. By working here, you join a vibrant community at the heart of intelligence research and innovation, alongside world-renowned faculty, trainees, and students defining the future of the field.

For more information, please visit the Kempner Institute’s website:
Kempner Institute.

The Institute seeks a Science Writer/Editor with a strong background in science writing and reporting, and a familiarity with computational neuroscience, NeuroAI, artificial intelligence, or related fields.

• Research, report, and write original news stories, press releases, profiles, Q&A, feature articles, social media posts, donor reports, and other deadline-driven content that supports the Institute’s priorities.
• Translate complex basic and translational research and interdisciplinary AI/neuroscience themes into compelling narratives accessible to both scientific and general audiences.
• Produce publish-ready content that upholds the highest standards of news judgement, reporting, writing quality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Independently collect and generate story ideas, maintaining robust coverage for the Kempner website, social media accounts, newsletter, and other Harvard publications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, researchers, and students across the Institute.
• Collaborate closely with communications colleagues across the University to promote and elevate the Institute’s editorial work.
• Navigate multiple constituencies with patience and diplomacy to ensure all materials meet institutional standards and audience needs.
• Manage the Institute’s social media channels (X, Bluesky and Linkedin); shape and implement social media strategy for online growth; and produce brand-aligned content that stands alone or promotes news articles.
• Serve as a backup copy editor for colleagues’ content as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 4+ years of science news writing or comparable journalism experience.

• Exceptional storytelling skills and news judgement with a proven ability to translate complex scientific topics into clear, impactful prose.
• Content fluency in topics related to natural and/or artificial intelligence and a strong desire to learn more and communicate these fields to diverse audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently to source and pitch original story ideas.
• Demonstrated ability to grasp and interpret peer-reviewed research; gather information; conduct background research and effective interviews; write efficiently on deadline; edit; fact check;…