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.

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

With guidance of Social Media Mentor, 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, etc.

 

Ready to apply? See program overview and apply here.