CIDRAP News Editor, Writer

About the Job

Specialized infectious disease science writer, reporter, copy editor, and web content manager. Conduct critical, timely review and analysis of scientific and public policy information dealing with timely, high-impact, and at times controversial public health issues. Distill highly technical material into policy-influencing news. Conduct probes into emerging infectious disease threats like outbreaks and bioterror dangers. Translate and synthesize scientific data and results into authoritative, relevant information.

Develop story ideas and work collaboratively with the news team. Write, edit, and publish news stories for the CIDRAP News website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Assist with diverse project reports, papers, and other writing/editing assignments. Position significantly contributes to achieving CIDRAP's mission to “prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions.”

Frequently cited by the world's leading public health and safety organizations, CIDRAP News provides expertise and synthesis via timely email alerts and around-the-clock access to detailed information on CIDRAP's website. CIDRAP News has published thousands of policy-influencing, action-oriented news items on a wide range of infectious disease incidents and policy decisions. CIDRAP News articles are frequently circulated among top levels of U.S. and international governments and are frequently cited on leading public health communications across the globe.

• 1. News gathering and writing. research, vet, and recommend potential news story and news brief ideas. (60%)
  • a. Investigate, conduct interviews, analyze the latest information, and write specialized, high-impact news stories and briefs each day on new infectious disease incidents and emerging issues affecting the public's health.
  • b. Write in-depth analysis pieces on timely controversial or complicated issues. Research and make decisions about accompanying topical photos, pathogen micrographs, and other images to enhance published material.
  • c. Interview leading experts in the field and key policymakers as needed.
• 2. Editorial Work. Edit CIDRAP publications, journals, papers, and communications as needed. (20%)
  • a. Participate in editorial-related meetings and assist in general editorial direction of CIDRAP News.
• 3. News Publishing and Other Technical Tasks. (10%)
  • a. Use Web content management platform to load stories and images, write display copy, update home page features, and send daily newsletter pushes.
  • b. Make decisions about the presentation of web material on the home page and elsewhere.
  • c. Compile and create topical information as needs arise.
• 4. Social media and other communications (5%)
  • a. Help maintain and enhance CIDRAP social media presence.
  • b. Help focus CIDRAP's web and social media strategies and explore other social networking opportunities.
• 5. Perform other duties as assigned by Management (5%).
  • a. Flexibility to adapt to ad-hoc requests.

• Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or related field.
  • Minimum 4 years of professional communications experience in health or medical writing, editing, and publishing.
  • Ability to make timely editorial decisions on website material.
  • Excellent reporting, writing, editing, photo editing, and web publishing skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently and show flexibility under tight deadlines.
  • Experience in covering infectious diseases and other relevant topics.
  • Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability to: (1) produce clear, concise scientific writing; (2) convey technical material in a comprehensible and intelligible way to a range of professional and lay audiences; (3) synthesize complex information accurately; and (4) write content appropriate for professional publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Demonstrated ability to exhibit professional interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills (as evidenced by working on cross-disciplinary teams).
  • Ability to complete work…