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Science Communication & Publishing

Communicate science effectively and succinctly to specific audiences


Example job titles

Communications manager for education/outreach* | Communications/press officer | Copy editor | Documentary filmmaker | Editor | Education/outreach specialist/coordinator/director* | Grant writer/editor* | Medical science liaison* | Journalist | Journal editor | Manager/director of scientific communications*| Media producer | Media/public relations officer/director | Public information officer* | Publisher | Science animator | Science broadcaster | Science/medical/technical writer* | Science translator | Scientific/medical illustrator*

*These job titles appear in other career pathways
 

Additional keywords to find more information or job postings

Science communication/broadcasting/writing/editing | Clinical/regulatory/technical/medical writing | STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) | SEAD (Science Engineering Art Design)

Get up-to-speed & stay current

Look for the corresponding myIDP categories: Science writing | Science education for non-scientists

  • Check out resources and attend events from professional societies for science, medical, and technical writers
    • Learn about careers in medical writing, how to develop necessary skills, and build your network with the American Medical Writers Association New Medical Writer Toolkit
  • Read the Center for the Advancement of Science Writing's (CASW) Guide to Careers in Science Writing
  • Get additional advice on how you can prepare for this career from scientists who have recently transitioned into a role in this field, as well as from those who have made hiring decisions.

 

Build your network

  • Find out whether your department has a writing specialist who assists faculty in the development of grants and manuscripts and contact them for an informational interview.
  • Create a LinkedIn profile and use it strategically to expand your network.
  • Attend a Gordon Research Conference related to science visualization and communication

Get training & experience

  • Attend a communication or media training workshop on campus
  • Develop or contribute to a blog, podcast, or online magazine (e.g., Chronicle Vitae)
  • Contribute or edit content on Wikipedia
  • Share your scientific expertise with the public at a science café
  • Write (and be sure to get feedback)! Build a portfolio of your writing samples, such as:
    • Scientific publications, technical writing, and protocols
    • Review articles or commentaries for a scientific journal written with your faculty research advisor
    • Non-technical articles for scientific society newsletters
    • Mock press releases
    • Blog/podcast entries
  • To write well, read voraciously in areas of interest to you.

Deeper training opportunities & experiences

Gearing up for a career transition?

  • All transitions (even those that are positive, desired, and successful) involve some amount of stress. This article on "Understanding the Impact of Change" from the NIH OITE blog offers a practical approach for considering an upcoming transition and doing a brief self-assessment to navigate change effectively.

Have a suggestion? Know of a great local opportunity? Let us know.