Department

PSD Data Science Staff

About the Department

The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the University’s community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

Job Summary

The Writer produces content that supports the Data Science Institute’s strategic goals and mission, and enhances the university's brand, reputation, and identity as a leading academic and research institution. This position writes a variety of communications for the Data Science Institute (DSI) and affiliated faculty, programs, and students. The Writer will report to the Chief of Staff and produces news stories, feature articles, web content, social media posts, and other print and online marketing and communications. Works with moderate guidance to research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications and/or reports with complex and specialized subject matter.

Responsibilities

Prepares content for conferences, presentations, and multiple audiences, including assembling and organizing data into text and figures for presentations, publications, grant applications, reports, newsletters, and websites.

Edits and advises postdocs and graduate students to shepherd scientific blog posts and articles to publication.

Researches and writes compelling articles and proposals that inspire philanthropy and disseminates research from across the DSI.

Participates in the design and planning of communications strategy.

Writes creative, engaging copy including via social media.

Fulfills other writing, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial duties as needed.

Collaborates with communications colleagues across the University to plan and implement communications that uphold University messaging, tone, style, and brand guidelines.

Researches, verifies, writes and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.

Uses knowledge of writing with moderate levels of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Writing news and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets.

Editing the work of others, writers and non-writers.

Interviewing a wide range of subject matter experts, including academics and scientific researchers.

Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Demonstrated skill and knowledge of Microsoft Word, WordPress, Adobe Creative suite, social media platforms, and other design and creative programs.

Preferred Competencies

Exceptionally strong writing skills; able to produce clear, compelling, and eloquent text.

Excellent editing and proofreading skills.

Ability to translate complicated scientific concepts for multiple audiences.

Keen understanding of creative content trends and best practices.

High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.

Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Application Requirements

Cover Letter (required)

Resume (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$59,000.00 - $71,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.