Job advert: Science Writer wanted

The Education & Outreach Office in the Earth Observatory of Singapore is seeking a skilled writer/editor with experience in translating scientific and technical information into layman’s language for scientific or research organisations.

Preference will be given to candidates with a working knowledge of natural hazards, earth science or environmental science. Some regional travel to research sites will be required. This position will report to the Education & Outreach Director of the EOS.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Write and edit inhouse brochures, research updates, press releases and policy briefs that showcase the work of EOS scientists and collaborators
• Maintain oversight of EOS website to ensure a regular supply of fresh content such as research updates, hazard alerts and other public awareness stories
• Assign and manage feature articles and educational materials contracted to outside contributors and translators when needed
• Support EOS scientists in preparing high-quality speeches and presentations for media conferences and other events
• Manage in house or contract designers and printers for publication of online and print materials

Requirements:

• Exceptional English writing skills with a minimum of 5-7 years experience as a journalist or science writer
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognised university, preferably in journalism, communications or English. Degree in other disciplines acceptable with a minimum of 7 years demonstrable experience as a published journalist or writer
• Proven ability to interact collegially with a team of international scientists and other technical experts, and to translate technical content into compelling stories
• Ability to meet deadlines and work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
  Familiarity with web and print publishing procedures, and Web 2.0 technologies such as RSS feeds, blogs and podcasting
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply by using the prescribed Personal Particulars Form (Administrative and Support positions) obtainable from: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohr/Career/CurrentOpenings/Management/Documents/AdminForm.doc

Electronic submission of application is encouraged and can be forwarded to the following address: eos_humanresources@ntu.edu.sg

Job Advert - Press Officer, EMBL

Job description:

EMBL is seeking an experienced Press Officer to oversee media relations activities at EMBL. Responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan for media relations activities
• Coordinating all media activities between international journalists and EMBL
• Advising EMBL staff in media relations
• Following scientific discoveries at all EMBL sites and liaising with scientists for gathering information
• Working with EMBL scientists and management to write, format and distribute press releases about scientific discoveries and other news stories coming out of the lab
• Writing & editing articles for EMBL's Annual Report
• Maintaining and updating media database
• Representing EMBL at international conferences
• Working closely with EIROforum
  
  Qualifications and Experience: In addition to a university degree, experience in public relations or communications as well as background in life sciences are required. Applicants should also have excellent written and oral English skills. German or French language abilities would be advantageous. Extensive experience in dealing with journalists and a large international network of media contacts is desirable. As well as being able to work independently, candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively as a member of the communication team at EMBL.
  
  Contract: An initial contract of 3 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review.
  
  Closing date: 17 May 2009
  
  Web page: http://www.embl.de/
  
  To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. ABSW/09/025 in the subject line, to: application@embl.de
  
  Personnel, EMBL, Postfach 10.2209, 69012 Heidelberg, Germany.
  
  Fax: +49 6221 387555 E-mail: application@embl.de

Job Advert: Reporter, Research Fortnight

Research Fortnight, the main newsletter covering UK research policy, and Research Europe, which covers the European Union, is looking for a reporter to join our busy newsdesk in London.

The reporter will join a dedicated team reporting on policies that matter to researchers in the hard sciences and other academic disciplines. They will prepare stories for our daily online bulletins as well as our print newsletters.

This position calls for a background in science, engineering or the social sciences, some knowledge of research and of the UK university system, limitless curiosity and, above all, ambition to succeed in journalism. Fluency in French, German or a Scandinavian language would also be an advantage.

Research Fortnight has been published since 1994 and is the policy bible of the UK research community. Our overseas publications are valued just as highly, and reach hundreds of thousands of subscribers through our website, www.researchresearch.com

The successful applicant will be based at our offices in Hoxton, five minutes from Old Street and Liverpool Street stations, along with 30+ other staff. The starting salary is up to £21,000, subject to review after six months.

How to apply

• Please send a cover letter, CV and three examples of your work to the editor, Colin Macilwain, at job28@researchresearch.com by Tuesday, April 14.

Job Advert: Science Writer wanted by Health Research Board of Ireland

FROM: Health Research Board of Ireland
DATE: 16 March 2009
JOB REFERENCE: A Picture of Health 2009

BACKGROUND TO QUOTATION REQUEST

The Health Research Board is seeking the support of a science writer to assist in the production of the 2009 edition of its annual publication ‘A Picture of Health’.

First published in 2003, the publication describes, in non-technical language, the latest developments in health research in Ireland supported by the HRB. Its purpose is to communicate the outcomes of HRB-funded research in lay terms to key stakeholder groups, such as budget holders and policy-makers, in a way that highlights the relevance, value and potential impact of this research on people’s health, the delivery of health services and the formulation of health policy. (Please also note that based on a review of the 2009 edition the HRB may provide the option of extending the contract of the successful writer for the 2010 publication subject to agreement of terms and conditions).


PARTICULARS OF QUOTATION REQUEST

Requirements:

• Science writing services for an approx 50-page lay publication entitled ‘A Picture of Health 2009’. The material will comprise research summaries arising from the portfolio of HRB-funded research selected by HRB personnel.
• The format of the 2009 publication is envisaged to comprise approx 20 stories of 400 words in length, and 12 ‘in brief’ summaries of approx 100 words in length.
• The successful writer will be required to liaise with the research community in order to understand and develop the source material for the publication
• The successful writer will also be required to write short summaries of a selection of the stories for the purpose of the HRB press release relating to the publication

Key Deliverables:

• A project initiation meeting with HRB personnel in HRB offices, Dublin to agree the final content plan for the publication
• Conduct of telephone (or email) interviews with 20 researchers to gain additional insight around context of research and findings
• Production of 20 research stories of 400 word length, 12 brief communications of 100 words in length, and six short summaries of the most newsworthy stories at 100 words length for the HRB press release by the end of June 2009*
• Editing and proof-reading of drafts of the publication leading to the final published report

* Please note that the final content plan for the 2009 publication and final deadline for submission of material may be subject to amendment – however quotations should be based on this provisional plan, while the impact on costs of any amendments may be negotiated at contract stage

Proposals should include the following information:

• The name of the person providing a quotation and details relating to track record, ability and experience (please submit one sample of your work that you would consider to be your best example of relevant writing material)
• A proposal as to how the requirements and key deliverables will be met
• An outline of the timescale for delivering on the project
• An estimate of the costs involved in the project (including editing and proof reading), including VAT

Relevant Information

• As a general guide, based on previous productions of this publication, the cost of this job is expected to be in the region of €9,000 - €13,000. Please access the 2003-2008 ‘Picture of Health’ publications on the HRB website (to request a hard copy email bcurran@hrb.ie)

Evaluation criteria

• Quotations for the above project will be evaluated on the following criteria:
• Demonstrated ability to write about scientific matter in a clear, concise, easy-to-understand style suitable for a non-specialist audience
• Track record and experience of producing material of a similar nature
• Quality of the proposal to meet the key requirements and deliverables
• Ability to meet the deadline for completion
• Cost and value for money of the proposal
  
  
  Deadline for quotation:

Please submit your quotation by email to bcurran@hrb.ie by 5.00pm on Friday 27 March 2009


Terms and conditions

The HRB is not bound to accept the lowest priced or any proposal. Acceptance by the HRB of a proposal will be subject to the negotiation of a contract. The contract will be awarded based on a fixed price. All travel, subsistence and other expenses related to the project are deemed to be part of the fixed price.

Invoices are to be issued at the satisfactory completion of each stage of the contract as agreed at the outset. Payment will be on foot of appropriate documentation (including an up-to date tax clearance certificate) and invoices, and will be paid in accordance with the terms of the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions Regulations), 2002.

The successful applicant/s will report progress on the project at regular intervals to the project manager in the HRB.

All enquiries and correspondence relating to this call for proposals should be addressed to Brendan Curran, Evaluation Manager: e bcurran@hrb.ie or t +353 (01) 2345 137


HRB Background Information

The Health Research Board (HRB) is the lead agency in Ireland supporting and funding health research. Our aim is to improve people’s health through research. With an annual budget of approximately €50 million from the Department of Health and Children and current commitments worth almost €200 million, we support a broad range of health research in Ireland that we hope will improve the delivery of patient care and the health of the population. Our funding is focused on building people’s research capability, providing relevant equipment and infrastructure and supporting research programmes in a wide variety of areas. Our research programmes range from tackling cancer or heart disease to examining the impact of socio-economic factors on people’s health, from creating an electronic patient record to improve care for people with a chronic disease, to identifying genes that are common among people with a particular disease.

Recruitment: Press & PR Officer (Science)

THE INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH
(University of London)

Chelsea, London

The Institute of Cancer Research is seeking a dynamic self starter with a passion for science to join our team at Europe’s leading cancer research centre. You will have experience in journalism or public relations with a proven track record in writing medical and/or science stories or press releases. The successful candidate will have excellent science and medical contacts in national UK media. You will work as part of a team to lead on generating national and international media coverage of The Institute’s world leading research.

The Institute is a College of the University of London and is a world-class cancer research organisation with HEFCE RAE ratings of international excellence across all of its research programmes.

Salary will be in the range £25,937 to £31,231 p.a. inclusive, based on skills and previous experience. This full time, permanent post also benefits from a generous annual leave entitlement and a final salary pension scheme.

To apply, please send two copies of your CV and covering letter (including the names and addresses of two referees) together with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to the HR Office, The Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RP quoting job Ref. A247.

Closing date: 3rd February 2009

Recruitment: SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR for the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme

Applications are invited for the position of Director of Communications for the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP). IGBP is an international research programme that provides scientific knowledge about the Earth System in response to the challenges of global sustainability (www.igbp.kva.se/). Its 9-person Secretariat is hosted by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.

The Communications Director will direct the communications efforts of IGBP, including internal communications amongst IGBP projects and project scientists, and outward communications with the wider science community, the education sector, policy makers, the media and the public. A key function of the Communications Director is to assist IGBP in generating and communicating impartial, policy-relevant science, through a wide range of products and processes (e.g., Global Change Newsletter, email bulletin, website, annual report, press releases). See http://www.igbp.net/page.php?pid=451 for position announcement and the IGBP Science Communication Strategy. The Communications Director will oversee a small communications team.

The successful candidate will have:

• excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience in science communications or science journalism;
• experience in effectively translating the results of scientific research into forms appropriate for a range of different audiences including policy makers, educators, the media and the general public;
• experience leading and working within a team, and coordinating a portfolio of communication activities;
• ability to initiate and manage a large and complex workload to tight deadlines and be responsible for communications outcomes;
• demonstrated experience in planning and implementing media campaigns;
  experience writing for the web and with web content management systems;
• highly developed interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• supervisory experience
• willingness to undertake occasional international travel.

Desirable skills:

• experience refining and guiding the implementation of a long-term science communication strategy for a large and diverse international scientific network;
• have an understanding of, and interest in, global environmental change issues;
• some science background and an appreciation of the scientific process, and the interface between natural and social sciences;
• non-profit fundraising experience.

The Director of Communications will be appointed initially for a 3-year period, will be an employee of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and will report to the IGBP Executive Director. The salary will be based on the salary structure of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (roughly equivalent to Swedish academic salary structure) and will consider the qualifications and experience of the candidate. To apply send: CV, a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, names and contact information for 3 references, and 3 examples of work that reflect your communication ability, to Charlotte Boss-Wilson at Admin@IGBP.kva.se. Review of applications will begin on 30 January 2009.

Recrutiment: Publications Editor and Scientific Writer

The Institute of Cancer Research

Academic Services
Chelsea, London

The Institute of Cancer Research (a College of the University of London) is a world-class cancer research organisation with HEFCE Research Assessment Exercise ratings of international excellence across all of its research programmes. In partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, we form the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe, dedicated to research that extends from epidemiology, genetics and molecular biology, through drug discovery and development, to cancer diagnosis and patient treatment.

The Publications Editor and Scientific Writer will be responsible for the preparation and editing of content for The Institute’s scientific print and online publications. These include The Institute’s Annual Review, Annual Research Report, Postgraduate Prospectus and website. The post-holder will also write and edit content for interactive educational materials aimed at scientists, healthcare professionals and the general public.

You will be a motivated science graduate with experience in science or medical communication, or journalism. In this role, your excellent written and verbal communication will help disseminate the research, clinical and educational activities of The Institute. You will be:

• Experienced - with proven skills in researching, writing and editing scientific content and an ability to adapt your writing styles for different media and audiences
  
• Confident - your excellent communication and negotiation skills will enable you to develop innovative ideas for content, meet with key scientists and clinicians, and help make the science at the forefront of cancer research readily accessible to all
  
• Organised – you will be able to organise, prioritise and work under pressure to meet key deadlines
  
• Creative - you will have a flair for content design and presentation and a keen eye for detail

The starting salary will be in the range £25,937 to £28,478 p.a. dependant upon skills and experience. This post also benefits from a contributory “final salary” pension scheme and generous leave entitlement.

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Ms. Natalie Hutton via email at Natalie.Hutton@icr.ac.uk. Please DO NOT send your application to Ms. Hutton; CVs, together with the names and addresses of two referees, must be submitted in line with the instructions below.

For further particulars and details of how to apply, please visit our website at: www.icr.ac.uk. Alternatively you may call our 24 hour recruitment line on 020 7153 5475 quoting reference number C197.

Closing date: 7 January 2009

Interviews to be held: 14 January 2009

Editor – Chemistry World

Chemistry World
Cambridge

Chemistry World is the business-to-business magazine for the chemical sciences. Its 65,000 readers include the members of the Royal Society of Chemistry, business executives and leading scientists around the world, including China, who read its new and highly-successful sister edition, Chemistry World China. Globally, our readers look to the magazine for a unique international perspective on current developments in a fast-changing environment.

Editor

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on editor, tasked with further expanding the magazine in print, online and digitally. We want you to share your vision of how best to develop all the magazine's editions and fully expand the brand in order to engage readers and advertisers.

A successful track record in science publishing along with a chemical science background is essential. You will also need experience of team leadership (with proven experience as a deputy editor or section head), as well as involvement in business management. Ref: 08-40.

We offer competitive salaries together with an attractive benefits package, including 26 days holiday, contributory pension scheme, free life assurance, private healthcare provision and, where appropriate, relocation allowance.

For further information about the RSC, this post and how to apply, please visit www.rsc.org/AboutUs/rscwork/Currentvacancies.asp quoting the relevant reference number. Please advise us of your current salary and salary expectation.

Closing date: 21 July 2008.
Agencies need not apply.

We welcome applications from all sectors of the community and value diversity.

www.rsc.org
Registered Charity Nº 207890

Business Editor – Chemistry World

Chemistry World
Cambridge
Chemistry World is the business-to-business magazine for the chemical sciences. Its 65,000 readers include the members of the Royal Society of Chemistry, business executives and leading scientists around the world, including China, who read its new and highly-successful sister edition, Chemistry World China. Globally, our readers look to the magazine for a unique international perspective on current developments in a fast-changing environment.

Business Editor
As part of the ongoing development, Chemistry World is changing fast and is now expanding its business coverage.

As a result, we're looking for an experienced journalist who's familiar with the chemical or pharmaceutical industry and keen to find a new and high-profile challenge. You'll have the freedom to shape our new business news section and regular business features, ensuring that the publication continues to have a wide reach beyond academia.

We'll expect you to research and commission news and features, plan story concepts and develop ideas for both our magazine and website. But you'll still be someone who enjoys hands-on writing, editing and proofing and will also be happy to generate ideas for images that can be used alongside articles.

All the time, you'll be on the look out for stories - using your contacts, visiting companies, attending conferences and conducting interviews. Communication skills and customer focus are therefore just as important as your knowledge of business and science. Ref: 08-16.

We offer competitive salaries together with an attractive benefits package, including 26 days holiday, contributory pension scheme, free life assurance, private healthcare provision and, where appropriate, relocation allowance.

For further information about the RSC, this post and how to apply, please visit www.rsc.org/AboutUs/rscwork/Currentvacancies.asp quoting the relevant reference number. Please advise us of your current salary and salary expectation.

Closing date: 21 July 2008.
Agencies need not apply.
We welcome applications from all sectors of the community and value diversity.

www.rsc.org
Registered Charity Nº 207890

Recruitment

Four new job opportunities that may interest you...

Associate Consultant Analysts

Oakland Innovation is a consultancy with a multinational team of postgraduate scientists, technologists, business strategists and qualitative research analysts. We help major international clients to explore new market opportunities, to find technology for product and process innovation, and to identify possible partners to fast track product development and market execution.

We employ full-time staff and associates that work on a variable-hour basis. We wish to increase our portfolio of Associate Consultant Analysts for a wide range of projects. The successful applicants should have a biology or chemistry background and ideally experience in a market research/business analysis environment. Consultancy experience and fluency in a foreign language, for example Japanese/Russian/Portuguese would be a distinct advantage. An interest in the application of science in a business environment is essential. As a member of a multidisciplinary team, you will undertake primary research (telephone research), secondary research (published information), analyse information and prepare reports/presentations on new and emerging technologies.

It will be necessary for applicants to have worked with standard computer programs such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Experience of secondary information research, particularly using the World Wide Web as well as commercial/scientific databases (PubMed, STN, Dialog, Kompass, Profound, Web of Science) would also be of advantage.
Rates of pay will be subject to experience.

For further details on Oakland’s activities see our website, www.oakland.co.uk
Please send your CV, day rate and names of two referees to Lucy Atkin on (la@oakland.co.uk), Oakland, 18 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0FH by 3rd March 2008. You will be contacted if you are successful in reaching the interview stage.

Contemporary Science Content Developer (x2 posts)

ABSW members may be interested in the following job opportunities in the Contemporary Science Team at the Science Museum, London. You can see examples of the Contemporary Science Team’s written output at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna.

Please note that applications or requests for further info should go to recruitment@sciencemuseum.org.uk or HR Assistant, Human Resources Department, The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD, quoting reference CSCD/08.

• Title: Contemporary Science Content Developer x2
• Vacancy number: 02/2008
• Reports to: Contemporary Science Project Leader
• Contract: Permanent
• Based London.
• Salary: £23,970 including London weighting
• Closing date: 12-00 10th March 2008
  

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the Museum’s creative offerings. As part of the Antenna Contemporary Science team, you will help to deliver an innovative programme of exhibitions, web content and public events. You will also be involved in the production of content for web and a public events programme.

There are two vacancies available.

With a relevant degree, or equivalent level of attainment, in a science related subject, you will have an understanding of museum-based exhibits and a proven interest in communicating contemporary science and technology through print, multi-media, exhibitions or events. You will be a good team worker with the ability to multi-task and handle large quantities of complicated information.

In the role, you would be involved in:

• Research, development and delivery of high quality contemporary content for exhibitions, websites, broadcast and narrowcast programming, for a broad audience
• Developing relationships with scientists and stakeholders, pitching stories and identifying and proposing high quality news stories for antenna products
• Presentation of contemporary science issues live to Museum audiences both in the Museum and via the web in order to increase understanding and debate among our target audience
• Sourcing and collecting objects for Antenna exhibitions and associated events to aid visitors’ interpretation of agreed messages.
• Use of Museum templates to build electronic products (including online exhibitions and gallery computer information points) to support increased reach of Antenna
• Writing content proposals, scenarios and path flows for exhibitions, broadcast, narrowcast and interactive media on contemporary science subjects to ensure agreed exhibition messages are successfully conveyed.

HOW TO APPLY:

We have made applying for this role simple, but please read all the following instructions carefully.

To apply:

1. please read the job description fully and then email your CV and covering letter, explaining clearly how you meet all our stated requirements, to
   recruitment@sciencemuseum.org.uk .
   Alternatively, you can send your CV, PDP and covering letter explaining clearly how you meet all our stated requirements to: HR Assistant, Human Resources Department, The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD
   The covering letter is very helpful to us, and we won't be able to accept applications without one.
2. Please quote the reference CSCD/08 either in your email subject header, or at the top of your covering letter.
   In short listing for interview, priority will be given to applicants whose covering letters and CVs explicitly demonstrate their suitability in terms of the full job description.

Marketing Communications Specialist – Writer

Cambridge, UK £Competitive + Benefits

This marketing communications role within Accelrys, a leading scientific software company, calls for a technical writer with the ability to understand and communicate complex scientific information. A degree in a scientific discipline is also preferred.

Working closely with Product Marketing Managers and subject matter experts you will take responsibility for writing both marketing and technical collateral related to Accelrys' scientific software and services working closely with your colleagues in the US and UK.

This broad-ranging role will stretch your writing skills across a variety of mediums – from website content, customer/prospect communications and on-line banner ads, to technical product data sheets and scientific research application notes. A team-player you will also proactively support and assist with ongoing marketing initiatives and programs throughout the department.

It goes without saying that you’ll be an expert on MS Office with the written and verbal communication skills to engage with varied customers across different cultural environments. What sets you apart is your ability to drive best practice in marketing communications and keep pace with new developments to ensure product collateral is current. Knowledge of web editing and graphic design software would be highly advantageous.

Accelrys has been delivering software and service solutions to the world's leading pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, nanotechnology, academic and government research organizations for over 20 years. With expertise in life and materials science modeling and simulations, informatics, nanotechnology and scientific operating platform technology, Accelrys' multi-disciplinary solutions span the research and development continuum.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter, quoting ref: AB-MW207, to Nicola Anderson, European Recruiter, at: recruitment@accelrys.com

www.accelrys.com