Lead Senior Science Writer

The Lead Senior Science Writer plays a crucial role in translating complex advances in cancer research and care into engaging long-form donor collateral that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy at Dana-Farber. Serving as a vital link between oncologists, scientists, fundraisers, and donors, this position requires both strong scientific fluency and demonstrated skill in communicating complex biomedical concepts clearly, accurately, and eloquently to non-scientific audiences. The Lead Senior Science Writer must be able to synthesize—not simply summarize or simplify—technical information while preserving scientific accuracy and nuance and adhering to established editorial standards, formats, and strategic direction. By interpreting significant developments and challenges in cancer care and research, the Lead Senior Science Writer provides scientific and strategic insight that supports donor stewardship, the Division’s fundraising priorities, and Dana-Farber’s broader mission. This role reports to the Senior Associate Director of Strategic Content, Donor Experience & Engagement.

This position's work location is fully remote with occasional time on-campus in Brookline, MA. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research and Analysis: Thoroughly research and understand all aspects pertaining to a specific portfolio of strategic content collateral, encompassing all aspects of research and patient care at Dana-Farber. This includes reading, analyzing, and interpreting press releases, scientific papers, results from clinical trials, and content from technical lectures.
• Information Gathering and Management: Skillfully conduct interviews with clinicians, investigators, and cancer care professionals to elicit new perspectives, scientific context, specific accomplishments, incremental and major results, direct quotes, ideas on how to approach the report, names and contact information of other people to interview, and more. Actively update internal tracking systems to document information pertaining to interview subjects, the status of research studies, unusual situations, helpful sources, editorial reviews, and more.
• Writing and Editing: Plan and write compelling long form reports that convey the impact of philanthropic giving. Work closely with philanthropy colleagues to develop appropriate tone, content, and donor approach; Write and edit reports in a timely fashion to meet specified deadlines; Review the work of teams and writers within the Division of Philanthropy for scientific accuracy. Assist writers to formulate detailed concepts, convey research findings, and prepare written interpretations of data and other information for a primarily lay readership.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Contribute as a member of the writing team. Thoughtfully participate in team meetings and share knowledge related to research findings, scientific writing trends, and learning opportunities. Work closely with philanthropy colleagues to conduct interviews with donors and faculty. Collaborate closely with senior leaders in cross-disciplinary teams in a highly matrixed environment to meet yearly key performance indicators.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Scientific Communication: Ability to first understand the science and then translate that knowledge accurately into a form that is both interesting and intelligible to the donor. Overall excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to express ideas clearly and logically.
• Adaptability: Demonstrate curiosity and a broad range of knowledge. Ability to learn how new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can be used to create efficiencies.
• Organizational: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, as well as produce high-quality work on deadline. Excellent project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines, all within a quickly evolving organizational setting.
• Customer Service: Exceptional customer service skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally and work with peers, leadership, and external contacts.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree. 5 years of professional experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Patient Contact:

None

Special Working Conditions:

This position is considered remote, 0-1 days onsite at 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA each week. Works on deadline.  Some evening or weekend work may be required.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

EEO Poster

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$107,100.00 - $113,900.00