Senior Science Writer
The Communication and Public Relations Division (CPR) promotes understanding, appreciation, and support for OIST through external relations, including media relations, integrated marketing-communications, and outreach events. The Division works to further the university's mission by engaging a broad audience that includes the general public of Okinawa and Japan, domestic and international scientific communities, government and funding agencies, industry leaders, and potential faculty members, staff, and students. The Division also fosters communication and cooperation within the graduate university through strategic internal communications. Output is delivered in both English and Japanese.
Position summary:
The Senior Science Writer at OIST will play an essential role in connecting the institution’s research excellence with the broader stakeholders. Often highly complex, the published output of OIST research units needs to be conveyed to a range of audiences, both expert (global scientific community, industry, science policymakers) and general (government, funders, media, schools, community groups, supporters). The successful candidate must have formal training as a writer, supplemented by a strong base of scientific knowledge. They should demonstrate exceptional story-telling abilities, a professional attitude, and keen editorial acumen.
The Senior Science Writer will make a pivotal contribution to the Communication and Public Relations Division — raising awareness of research published in leading journals across all scientific fields; news about OIST’s innovation, technology development, and commercialization; notable awards; events; and contributions to local communities. The Senior Science Writer will produce both short- and long-form articles and other materials that convey the excellence, significance, and excitement of OIST research, education, innovation, and outreach activities. The writer will also be involved, to an increasing extent, in digital content production, potentially including podcasts, videos, and other media. A strategic approach to science and business communication, and the ability to grow and sustain influential and senior editorial and research networks around the world, will be essential. The Senior Science Writer must also develop the trust of OIST faculty, researchers, executive members, and administrative staff with their written and oral communication skills and their ability to help impact effective public engagement.
This position is funded by the J-PEAKS Grant, which was approved by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
- Design a science communications program/strategy at OIST that is aligned with our institutional strategy and our resources.
- Proactively search for story ideas and conduct interviews with OIST faculty, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, administrative staff, and executive members.
- Research, write, edit, fact-check, and proofread press releases, articles, and other content for news media, websites, brochures, and other publications.
- Actively inform the process of determining the most newsworthy scientific, innovation, and community content to enhance OIST’s reputation.
- Grow a network of influential science and business correspondents and editors, and assist in placing stories in the world’s most influential and credible outlets and channels.
- Potentially help seek out and apply for science communications-related funding opportunities.
- Other duties, as assigned.
(Required)
- A bachelor’s degree science writing/communication, journalism, communications, English, or a related field is required.
- Six to 10 years’ experience in science communication.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to write clear, concise copy for a variety of mediums.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural responsiveness, and the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with multiple and diverse groups and individuals.
- Superior attention to detail and organization; ability to think creatively, strategically, and analytically.
- Project management skills: ability to effectively manage several assignments simultaneously, set priorities, work in a fast-paced and exciting environment, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative in creating new content for print and digital platforms.
- Ability to quickly summarize key facts and convey complex subject matter to a general audience in an engaging, informative, and accurate manner.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Native-level English skills.
(Preferred)
- A post-graduate certificate or advanced degree in a related field is an asset.
- Japanese language skills are an asset, but not essential.
- Awareness of Japanese society, culture, research, and/or media landscape is an advantage.
- Photography, videography, blogging, illustration and/or podcasting experience is an asset.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Expected Annual Salary: 4,600,000 - 8,600,000 yen
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and skills in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Up to five writing samples
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
* Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Term: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5 hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month).