News Writer/Reporter, Cancer Discovery

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about cancer research and who excels at scientific communication to join the editorial team of its highly cited and highly ranked publication, Cancer Discovery.

Cancer Discovery is among the world’s most preeminent cancer journals, publishing major advances in basic, translational, and clinical research, including clinical trials. Cancer Discovery is an essential information resource that also publishes highly regarded news stories—including pieces on advances in cancer research and treatment, technology, business, people and places, therapeutics-related FDA activity, science and public policy, and research funding—as well as review articles, perspectives and commentaries, and summaries of important findings in other journals.

Position Summary:

The News Writer/Reporter, Cancer Discovery, will report to the Senior Editor of Science & Medical News and will work from an AACR office in Boston or Philadelphia. The News Writer/Reporter will brainstorm and suggest story ideas, interview experts, and draft articles for the journal, and will ensure the publication of accurate, high-quality pieces. The News Writer/Reporter will also oversee the weekly publication of the online “Noted This Week” column, assist with the publication of online articles, obtain images to accompany articles, and develop news content for other channels. As a key member of the Cancer Discovery team, the News Writer/Reporter will be engaged with the journal’s other editors and will develop contacts in the broader cancer research community.

• Research and write news stories and deliver them according to scheduled deadlines.
• In collaboration with the Executive Editors, news team, and other AACR departments, develop news and feature content that is topical, accurate, timely, and of interest to the oncology community.
• Stay abreast of current, relevant news and trends in order to best position the Cancer Discovery news content.
• Aid in the evolution of the Cancer Discovery news website and post content as needed.
• Attend and report from relevant conferences and meetings, and network with meeting attendees, including news professionals and researchers in all areas of cancer research.
• Develop relationships and network with news professionals in order to stay abreast of best practices and to ensure that such practices are implemented for Cancer Discovery as appropriate.   
• Collaborate with the staff of the other AACR journals, production, communications, marketing, and other AACR divisions to ensure good communication and promotion of synergistic opportunities.

• A degree in a biomedical or life science field, preferably an advanced degree, with some relevant work experience or an intensive internship. Graduate work in journalism is a plus.
• Ability to deliver high-quality, timely news stories with scientific content.
• Ability to communicate directly with cancer researchers and to translate technical scientific content to scientists working in other disciplines.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest and/or experience with social media, podcasting, and video a plus.
• High level of initiative and commitment to researching and delivering scientific and medical news.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills; ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to collaborate with department staff and others involved in the work of Cancer Discovery.
• Ability to travel to relevant scientific meetings.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

How To Apply:

This position offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please email a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, your resumé, and three writing samples to stephen.ziobro@aacr.org

About the AACR:

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 48,000 members residing in 127 countries and territories around the world, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers. The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in the cancer field as well as in related biomedical sciences. AACR publishes nine peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,500 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in and reasons for hope in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer