Advancing the Art of Science Communication

cSw Position Descriptions

STUDENT WRITER

With guidance from a professional Communications Mentor, each staff writer will research, write and submit one story about his/her topic no later than August 31, 2020. This story must be written in a clear and compelling way, using language that is accessible to the average reader with little or no understanding of biomedical science. Length: Between 500 and 750 words

Responsibilities:

  • Pre-Boot Camp
    • Select topic from pre-approved list
    • Develop list of credible sources, including peer reviewed journal articles
    • Identify a list of scientists/researchers (content experts) with relevant expertise
    • Read as much about topic as possible; consider various story angles
  • Boot Camp 
    • Refine and expand list of sources
    • Find contact information for potential content experts (scientists/researchers)
    • Develop outreach strategy to content expert(s); craft interview questions; explore storylines
    • Skill-building; practice developing elements of a well-crafted science story
    • Conduct mock interviews
    • Formulate and write short practice articles
  • Post-Boot Camp                        
    • Maintain constant communication with Comms Mentor
    • Schedule regular work sessions with Comms Mentor
    • With guidance from Comms Mentor:
      • Conduct interview(s) with content expert(s) ­– scientists/researchers
      • Decide on story format; news; blog; Q&A; hybrid
      • Write first draft; review organization, word choice, etc.
        Deadline: no later than August 14
      • Rewrite; rewrite; rewrite
      • Submit second draft to Comms Mentor
        Deadline: no later than August 19
      • Polish and submit final story to Comms Mentor
        Deadline: no later than August 31

STUDENT EDITOR

As a member of the cSw Editorial Team, each staff editor coordinates communications for a team of writers and designers; polishes up to 5 stories for publication; prepares final submission of each story for publication. Editors should have gone through the program as a writer before being considered for an editor role.

Responsibilities:

  • Boot Camp 
    • Get familiar with each writer’s topic
    • Participate in skill-building and special editing sessions
    • Practice lessons in high-level review, fact checking, content editing, copy editing
  • Post-Boot Camp
    • Consult with Chief Editor to:
      • Conduct high level review of stories to determine readiness for publication
      • Establish a Tentative Publication Schedule (Sept–June)
        Deadline: No later than August 31
      • Fact check, proof, copy and content edit team stories
      • Coordinate with Creative Team (CT) for graphics
        Deadline: No later than 2 weeks prior to Pub Date
      • Develop key words for each story
      • Develop summaries for each story (300, 250 and 156 characters)
      • Collect and submit all elements of final story to Chief Editor
        Deadline: No later than 1 week prior to Pub Date
      • Help promote the cSw program as well as all cSw stories

STUDENT GRAPHIC DESIGNER

As a member of the cSw Creative Team, each graphic designer works collaboratively to create or source appropriate graphics for stories.
Responsibilities:

  • Boot Camp 
    • Get familiar with each writer’s topic
    • Participate in skill-building and special design sessions
  • Post-Boot Camp
    • Consult with Creative Team Manager to:
      • Schedule monthly web conference to brainstorm ideas for graphics
      • Collaborate on refining and enhancing story images
      • Coordinate with Story Editor re: submission of graphics
        Deadline: No later than 2 weeks prior to Pub Date
      • Help promote the cSw program as well as all cSw stories

STUDENT SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

As a member of the cSw Social Media Team, each coordinator collaborates to promote both the cSw program and each story via social media platforms.
Responsibilities:

  • Boot Camp 
    • Get familiar with each writer’s topic
    • Participate in skill-building and special social media sessions
    • Promote Boot Camp in real time
  • Post-Boot Camp
    • Consult with Social Media Manager to:
      • Search for, comment, and tweet about current research advancements or breakthroughs for every topic selected by a cSw author
      • Implement social media plan developed by Social Media Team
    • Post-Publication
      • Implement a strategy for promoting each story
      • Maintain a lively presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

Ready to apply? See program overview and apply here.