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SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (SAMRC)
 
SCIENCE WRITER AND EDITOR
 
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research.  It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.  The organisation prides itself on three core values: being pioneering, striving for excellence and working collaboratively.
 
The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. Should no feedback be received within 30 days of the closing date, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
 
 
Vacancy: Science Writer and Editor
3-year contract post
Unit/Directorate: Corporate & Marketing Communications
Region: Cape Town

Closing date: 7 May 2020
 
The South African Medical Research Council seeks to appoint an experienced and qualified Science Writer & Editor. The role will focus on writing and editing of publications and support of our research translation activities. The position would suit a health journalist with a science background and qualification, a multitasker with an eye for detail who can navigate multiple projects, while producing high quality content suited for various publications and digital platforms.
 
About the role: Together with the communications team, you will write, edit, coordinate projects, ensure quality assurance of scientific content and support our outreach and research translation activities.
 

What you will be doing:
  • Provide comprehensive writing and editing services for large and/or complex projects, potentially involving multiple media
  • Interpret complex scientific/technical information and translate into various forms of easily understandable and non-technical communications
  • Coordinate production jobs, often with the Corporate team and agency
  • Track the progress of multiple, simultaneous projects and results achieved
  • Collaborate with staff members from the Corporate team and across research units to support communication needs
  • Serve as quality check officer for production assignments through interaction with design agency and staff members
  • Understand the brief and conceptualise with the Head of Corporate Communications multimedia related projects
  • Ensure buy-in from relevant stakeholders and approval
  • Communicate and coordinate with service providers to deliver on projects
  • Ensure the delivery of multimedia projects in collaboration with Unit portfolio holders
  • Be part of the planning on public outreach opportunities by engaging relevant stakeholders and staff
 
Broad functional areas:
  • Writing and Editing
  • Project Coordination
  • Quality assurance & business support
  • Public outreach
 
Core requirements:
  • 3-year qualification in Health Sciences or related field
  • 3 Years Writing and Editing Experience
  • Valid driver’s licence
 
Advantageous:
  • Postgraduate qualification in relevant field
  • Experience in a research or academic environment
  • Ability to work collaboratively and productively
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Please note a portfolio of evidence will be required as part of the recruitment process.
 
A salary in the region of R638 951 per annum, cost to company, will be negotiated in line with qualifications and relevant work experience.
 
In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply
 
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R303A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS
 
Visit the following Web Site to complete an online application.  https://forms.gle/jKuFiUAmfpTfQTMm9