Posted On: January 30, 2014

Journalism Job

Media Organization: American Association for Cancer Research

Company Description

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 34,000 members, is the oldest and largest organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. The programs and services of AACR foster the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among scientists and physicians dedicated to advances against cancer. AACR publishes 8 peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 18,000 participants; offers educational workshops, fellowships, and research grants; raises public awareness of the progress in and cause for hope in cancer research; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding; and works to overcome the challenges in regulatory science and policy.

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive information to the scientific community, AACR publishes an important journal, Cancer Discovery. This high-impact publication presents peer-reviewed, original articles describing major advances in basic, translational, and clinical research including clinical trials. Cancer Discovery is an essential information resource that also publishes news, review articles, perspectives and commentaries, and Research Watch summaries of important journal articles. The content scope spans the spectrum of cancer science and medicine from the laboratory to the clinic to epidemiologic and prevention studies.

The AACR is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its reputation for scientific breadth and excellence attract the premier researchers in the field. The programs and services of the AACR foster the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among scientists dedicated to cancer research, provide training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers, and increase public understanding of cancer.

Job Description

Job Category: Management/ Exempt
Division: Publishing and Product Development
Reports to: Cancer Discovery Executive Editors
Location: Boston or Philadelphia Office

The Managing Editor will direct the selection and delivery of the news content of Cancer Discovery and will work with the journal’s Executive Editors to develop special features. In addition to coverage of advances in science related to cancer; other topics include information regarding technology, business, people and places, therapeutics-related FDA activity, government and policy, and research funding. News is reported weekly through the online journal, and selected news content is published in and/or linked to the monthly print issue.

The Managing Editor will also be responsible for the ongoing development of the news section to improve the quantity, quality, and variety of content as well as increase readership usage.

The Managing Editor will report to the Cancer Discovery Executive Editors and will be a key member of the editorial team.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

•In collaboration with the Executive Editors and editorial team, plan and develop news and feature content that is topical, accurate, timely, and of interest to the oncology community.
•Research, write, and edit news stories.
•Ensure that acceptable, standardized practices are in place for news reporting and feature writing, and maintain documentation regarding these practices.
•Establish, monitor, and report on measurements for progress and informed decision-making.
•Set targets for continuous improvement of content coverage, quality, and turnaround.
•Manage and cultivate a cadre of freelance news writers/reporters.
•Manage multiple projects and deliver them according to scheduled deadlines.
•Work with the journal’s editorial, marketing, and production teams, as well as AACR’s Communications and Program departments.
•Collaborate with the AACR’s Science Policy and Government Affairs department to identify and develop relevant news stories.
•Represent the journal at relevant conferences and meetings.

Qualifications and Competencies:

•Demonstrated success delivering high-quality, timely news stories with scientific content.
•Ability to communicate directly with researchers and to translate technical scientific content to scientists working in other disciplines.
•Understanding of organization, structure, and ethics of electronic and print news media, journalistic techniques, terminology, and style, as they relate to scientific content.
•Outstanding management and leadership skills with the ability to maneuver and adapt practices in response to an ever-changing work environment.
•Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•High level of motivation, initiative, and commitment to researching and delivering scientific news content.
•Highly developed interpersonal and diplomatic skills; ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
•Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
•Ability to collaborate with department, staff, and others involved in the work of the journal.

Education:

•PhD in a biomedical or life science, candidates with MS will be considered; additional MS in journalism a plus.
•Familiarity with the cancer field.
•Seven to ten years of experience writing scientific news in the life sciences, as well as a history of effectively managing staff and freelance workers.

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume (including salary history) to:

American Association for Cancer Research
Human Resources
P.O. Box 40138
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fax: 215-440-1045
Email: humanresources@aacr.org
Equal Opportunity Employer