Job Description

Science Writer

The Science Writer supports the missions of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF | NCAR) by translating our work into compelling stories that showcase the value of our research to the nation and the world for a wide variety of audiences. Under the direction of the Manager of Science Communications, the Science Writer is responsible for cultivating relationships with scientists and staff across the organization, identifying research and other work that have strong story hooks, and translating that work into communications products that resonate with our key audiences, which include the general public, media, policymakers, potential funders, end users, community managers, and others. The Science Writer collaborates with other members of the Communications Office to extend the way we tell our story, expanding our storytelling efforts beyond traditional news releases and web stories to possibly include video, audio, or other formats.

Job Description

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 12 am MDT (at the beginning of) Monday, October 12, 2026.

Required application materials: (preferably uploaded as a PDF)

• Resume
• Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).
• Questionnaire (embedded in the application)

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Story Development

• Stays informed about recent research directions, findings, and breakthroughs by building strong relationships with scientists, leadership, and other staff across the organization.
• Identifies research, projects, and other work that is well suited for coverage by the Communications Office in support of the organization's strategic goals.
• Works to understand the fundamentals of Earth system science so that research findings can be put into the appropriate context and so that progress can be communicated accurately and with as much impact as possible.

Writing and Editing

• Translates technical research into compelling stories that are aimed at specific audiences to meet clear goals. Produces a wide variety of communications products, including news releases, leadership talking points, web content, brochures, one-pagers, newsletters, and more.
• Thinks beyond the traditional news release and web story to find creative ways to communicate the value of our science. This could include videos, podcasts, infographics, or other new media platforms.
• Edits other stories and materials produced by both the Communications Office and by other groups across NSF NCAR and UCAR.

Communications Training and Consulting

• Consults and collaborates with other externally facing groups — including Government Relations, External Engagement, Business Relations, and others — to identify goals and to tailor effective messages for specific audiences.
• Helps implement a variety of formal and informal trainings that help scientists better communicate their own work, including how to create effective talking points, tailor their message, implement best practices for presentations, and work with the news media.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Backs up a number of other roles in the Communications Office as needs arise.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field;
• six years of writing and/or editing experience;
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable writing and editing skills
• Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, Earth system science and the ability to explain its importance and value to society
• Excellent skill at interviewing scientific and technical professionals
• Ability to identify, gather, understand, assimilate, and coordinate complex scientific and technical information and to articulate it clearly and accurately for multiple audiences across multiple platforms
• Ability to identify and articulate what research is newsworthy and can help us tell our story in support of our mission
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with scientists and staff across the organization
• High level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to balance multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Ability to interface and collaborate with peers at sister institutions, professional societies, and federal agencies, and to work internally with a variety of staff at all levels
• Experience telling science stories in non-traditional formats, which could include video, graphics, audio, or other forms.

Application Requirements

Cover Letter, Questionnaire, Resume/CV

For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.

Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Benefits Overview

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Time Off Plans
  • Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • FAMLI Leave
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.

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