Job Opportunity: Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) Science Communication Postdoctoral Fellowship
Science Communication Postdoctoral Fellowship, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
The Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks to recruit a CRTA Post-Doctoral Fellow to help write, edit, create, and produce communications about basic cancer biology. The mission of DCB is to ensure continuity and stability in basic cancer research while encouraging and facilitating the emergence of new ideas, concepts, technologies and possibilities. Additional information about the research areas and programs supported by DCB can be found at the DCB website. This full-time position is based in Rockville, Maryland, and provides outstanding opportunities for training and professional development in cancer biology and science communication. CRTA Fellows interact and collaborate with program staff, communications staff, cancer researchers, and patient advocates at NCI, across the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in the broader research community.
Coronavirus Pandemic Notice
Note that during the pandemic and while all DCB staff are currently teleworking, the selected fellow will begin the position by working remotely.
Position Description
The CRTA Fellow will work with NCI communications and program staff to translate and promote basic cancer research supported by DCB. Projects for the CRTA Fellow may include:
- Writing and editing digital media about basic cancer biology for different audiences, such as interviews of cancer researchers, descriptions of research programs, summaries of scientific meetings, email updates, etc.
- Developing and implementing communications plans with NCI scientific and communications staff.
- Working with DCB staff to produce short and long videos about DCB funded research and investigators.
- Drafting social media posts and creating graphics for DCB-supported Twitter accounts: @NCICancerBio, @NCIPhySci, and @NCIsysbio
- Developing new ideas and content for the DCB website and creating visuals to support DCB activities.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, immunology, biomedical engineering, etc.)
- A strong interest in basic cancer research
- Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills
- Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Excellent communications skills (including writing, editing, and interpersonal communications)
- Knowledgeable about social media platforms
- Critical thinking and analysis skills
Application Requirements
To be considered for this position, the following materials must be submitted:
- Cover Letter (explain your interest in the fellowship, your professional development goals, and science communication interests)
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Two science communication clips (for a general audience)
- Official transcripts and/or proof of academic good standing (transcript of highest degree conferred or proof of academic good standing on official letterhead and signed by graduate program director, adviser, or equivalent)
- NCI CRTA fellows must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens. A final offer would be dependent on proving U.S. citizenship or residency (Green Card) if all other requirements were met
Application materials may be submitted as a single PDF via email to Dr. Claire McCarthy, who can also be contacted if you have questions about the position. Letters of recommendation may be included in the application package or emailed separately by the letter writer.
NCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Application Deadline
This announcement will remain active until the position is successfully filled, and review of application materials will begin upon receipt.
Start Date
July – August 2021 (negotiable)
Stipend and Benefits
The stipends for CRTA Fellows are adjusted yearly and are commensurate with academic achievement and relevant experience. The stipend range for the initial appointment of a post-doctoral CRTA Fellow is available online. Benefits include health insurance at no cost and a wide range of career development and social activities.
The DCB office is located at NCI Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation from surrounding locations in Maryland and Washington, DC.