Resources

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    
  • Maintaintain 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.
  • Rewrite; rewrite; rewrite. Submit drafts to Comms mentor
  • Polish and submit final story after approval by Comms Mentor
    Deadline: no later than August 30
  • Help promote the cSw program as well as all cSw stories

STUDENT EDITOR

As a member of the cSw Editorial Team, each team 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 cSw Publication Schedule (Sept–June)
    • Fact check, proof, copy and content edit team stories
  • Coordinate with Creative Team (CT) for graphics
  • Help develop key words for each story
  • Attend regular editor and cSw editorial team meetings
  • Meet with writers to discuss edits proposed
  • 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:
    • Be aware of the story publication calendar
    • Work with your writers to develop feature images and story art
    • Attend regular meetings/training sessions
    • Brainstorm ideas for graphics at meetings or on Slack
    • Collaborate on refining and enhancing story images
    • Subit graphics two weeks before publication 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
  • Attend training sessions/regular meetings
  • 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, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and other platforms.

Ready to apply? See program overview and apply here.