News Writer - Investigative

About The Job

News Writer - Investigative at University of Minnesota

Specialized infectious disease science writer and investigative reporter. Conduct critical, timely review and analysis of scientific and public policy information dealing with high-impact public health issues. Distill highly technical material into policy-influencing news. Conduct in-depth probes into government decisions that affect public health, especially at the federal level, and into emerging infectious disease threats like outbreaks and bioterror dangers. Translate and synthesize scientific data and results into authoritative, relevant information.

Independently 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). including enterprise stories that highlight trends and provide context for breaking news. Assist with project reports, papers, and other writing/editing/researching assignments, and with content management on the CIDRAP site. Position contributes significantly to CIDRAP’s mission to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and translation of scientific information into real-world applications, policies, and solutions.

• News gathering and writing: research, vet, and recommend potential news story and brief ideas. (60%)
• 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 public health.
• Write in‑depth analysis pieces on timely controversial or complicated issues.
• Interview leading experts in the field and key policymakers as needed.
• Editorial work: edit CIDRAP publications, journals, papers, and communications as needed. (20%)
• Participate in editorial‑related meetings and assist in general editorial direction of CIDRAP News.
• News publishing and other technical tasks: use Web content management platform to load stories and images, write display copy, update home page features, and send daily newsletter pushes. (10%)
• Make decisions about the presentation of web material on the home page and elsewhere.
• Compile and create topical information as needs arise.
• Social media and other communications: help maintain and enhance CIDRAP social media presence. (5%)
• Help focus CIDRAP’s web and social media strategies and explore other networking opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management. (5%)
• Flexibility to adapt to ad‑hoc requests.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of professional communications experience in health or medical writing, editing, and publishing.
• Proven track record of excellent investigative reporting, science journalism, and research skills.
• 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.
• Research experience in infectious diseases and related topics.
• Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability to: produce clear, concise scientific writing; convey technical material in a comprehensible way to professional and lay audiences; synthesize complex information accurately; write content appropriate for professional publication in a peer‑reviewed journal.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit professional interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills.
• Ability to complete work accurately, independently.
• Availability to travel several times per year.

• Experience working in a higher education or non‑profit research environment.
• Deep interest in emerging infectious diseases and public health; proven ability to operate among a fast‑moving, cutting‑edge professional group; ability to cultivate news sources and stay abreast of developing stories; experience with social media messaging.

The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) is part of the Research and Innovation Office…