Student Science Writer

Department Overview:

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as regenerative biology, metabolism, virology and medical engineering. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life. For additional information please visit: www.morgridge.org

In order to ensure the safety of our workplace, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required unless an exemption is granted for medical, disability or religious reasons.

The Morgridge Institute for Research is an equal opportunity employer.

Anticipated Start Date

9/15/24

Anticipated End Date

5/31/25

Anticipated Hours Per Week

10-15

Schedule:

Flexible hours.

Monday - Friday between 8am and 5pm

Salary/Wage Range:

Hourly $15.00 to $17.00

Number Of Positions

1

Position Summary/Job Duties:

The Morgridge Institute for Research, Research Computing group is looking for a student science writer to promote the impacts of the NSF Partnership to Advance Throughput Computing (PATh) project (and other projects) on research and campuses across the country. The position will provide opportunities to develop science writing and communication skills, learn about research across multiple domains, to develop an understanding of computational research methods and computing technologies, and to advance the understanding of these concepts by relevant audiences.  

Read more here: https://morgridge.org/story/national-science-foundation-establishes-a-partnership-to-advance-throughput-computing/

Duties Include:

• Feature Writing: Produce 1 long-form and a few short stories per month for web and newsletter distribution, highlighting the impacts and achievements of PATh. With input on story leads, interview researchers and other story subjects from across the country, as well as relevant PATh staff. Draft and proof copy, conduct fact-checking, and coordinate input/edits from other PATh team members. Contribute to editorial strategy and copy-editing of other stories, blog posts, etc., produced by PATh.
• Website Publishing: Edit and/or create webpages in support of the above across websites relevant to PATh. Contribute ideas for website content and strategy.
• Social Media: Draft social media posts to promote PATh efforts and the research it impacts. Assist with monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on audience engagement and related metrics across social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).
• Other related duties on an as-needed basis, and per interests/experience.

Qualifications:

Candidate must be a UW-Madison, Madison College, or Edgewood College student. The ideal candidate will be majoring in communications, journalism, or related area with strong skills in writing, editing, and social media. Must demonstrate great attention to detail, be able to work with minimal supervision, and conduct oneself in a professional manner.

Though not a requirement, prior experience with any of the following is a plus:

• science feature writing
• web content creation, management, and/or design
• social media content generation and engagement analysis
• graphic design, video production, and/or other visual communication formats
• Adobe Creative Suite (and/or open-source alternatives), Markdown, HTML, CSS, Git/GitHub.
• computational research
• experience working completely virtually, and/or as part of a geographically distributed team

Physical Demands

Work is normally performed in a typical office environment. No or very limited physical effort is required. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 1-2 writing samples.

Contact:

Org: Morgridge Institute for Research
Contact: Jan Patrick
Web: https://morgridge.org/
Email: jpatrick@morgridge.org
Apply