Science Communications
UChicago BSD Dean’s Office, Communications
Mentor
Matthew Wood Assistant Director of Communications, UChicago BSD Dean’s Office Communications
Background
The Dean’s Office of the Biological Sciences Division seeks to raise the institution’s reputation in research and graduate scientific training programs by engaging with faculty, students, postdocs, and other trainees to produce creative, timely, and accurate stories that explain complex scientific content spanning the basic science and clinical departments in an engaging manner accessible to a wide audience.
Externship Description
Under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Communications, the extern will work with team members to identify compelling stories and develop a wide range of written content, including news articles, feature stories, briefs, announcements, emails, and web content. The extern will support the office’s news, faculty engagement, and educational priorities and functions. The Science Communications Extern will learn the tools of the trade to engage with researchers and translate their work into compelling stories that differentiate the Biological Sciences Division from its peers/competitors and raise the reputation of faculty and the organization. The extern will also interact with colleagues from UChicago Medicine, the UChicago News Office, and other academic divisions to earn first-hand experience in how communications activities function at a diverse academic institution.
Objectives
- Learn how to plan, structure, and conduct interviews with our researchers.
- Review research papers and communicate esoteric/complex concepts to a lay audience under stated deadlines.
- Learn how to write strong, clear, and compelling copy that translates scientific research for a lay audience.
- Understand the process to publicize new scientific publications, from acceptance to embargo dates and distribution channels.
- Uphold our editorial, ethical, and work standards and support efforts to improve faculty engagement.
- Opportunities to learn how to maintain website and social media content, if desired.
Qualifications
The extern(s) must possess basic writing skills, be open to receiving constructive feedback on writing and other communications assignments, be well-versed in Microsoft Office, and demonstrate good organizational and time management skills.
Work From Previous Externs
- New DNA nanodevices can target specific cell types in live animals – Matt Reyer, PhD
- More than the genes: How noncoding DNA controls cell types for vision – Meghan O’Connell, PhD
Before submitting an application, please visit the Externships page for instructions regarding our new application platform: myCHOICE-Symplicity.