Science Writing & Digital Media

University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences Marketing and Communications Department

Mentors

Lorna Wong Executive Director of Communications, University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences
Anna Madrzyk Manager of content and publications, University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences

Background

The communications team in the University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences’ Marketing and Communications Department seeks to raise the organization’s reputation in research, patient care, and medical education. They do this by covering news at the Medical Center, the Biological Sciences Division and Pritzker School of Medicine through words, photos, videos, and graphics, which are then published in various channels. The team also works with news and trade outlets to call attention to research/scholarly work and unique patient stories.

Externship Description

Under the guidance of the Executive Director of Communications and a preceptor, the extern will work with team members to identify compelling stories and develop a wide range of content, including news articles, feature stories, briefs, short videos and podcasts for UCM publications such as Medicine on the Midway and communication channels such as The Forefront blog. The extern will support the office’s news, media outreach and social media priorities and functions. The Science Communications Extern will learn how to be a “brand journalist” using faculty’s research and work as a credible, influential avenue to differentiate the UChicago Medicine & Biological Sciences from its peers/competitors and raise the reputation of faculty and the organization. The extern’s work will be rooted in the principles of journalism and good storytelling using press releases, blog posts, social media and multimedia (video, audio and photography): All work will be factual, balanced, well-investigated, timely and compelling.

Specific 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.
• Identify ways to communicate scientific stories or news, be it through a written copy, short video, podcast, blog post and/or social media. Your work will be used in any one or all of our communication channels.
• Learn AP style, the standard among news organizations.
• Uphold our editorial, ethical and work standards and support efforts to improve faculty engagement.

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 be willing to learn new skills.

Work of Previous Interns

Ashley Vena, Ph.D.
Clinical trial aims to help heavy drinkers quit smoking February 7, 2018
Research highlights cost savings from generic contraceptives February 12, 2018

Before submitting an application, please visit the Externships page for instructions regarding our new application platform: myCHOICE-Symplicity.