Job Details

Science Writer - Office of Communications and Marketing - UTK

Position Number: 6375428
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Science Writer - Office of Communications and Marketing - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3844
Job Category: Communication & Mktg
Posting Date: 07/11/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1345 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Science Writer. The Science Writer is a strategic communicator who works with faculty, administrators, industry and community partners, and other stakeholders to write news articles and marketing content that supports and enhances the R1 research reputation and overall mission of the university.

UT is the state's flagship research university, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, the institution fulfills its access mission through a commitment to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement.

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university's reputation. Staff members support the institution's mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing more than 50 full-time professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

Responsibilities

Generates science- and research-related feature stories and news releases for targeted audiences that advance the university's strategic research goals and objectives.
Expertly translates scientific studies, jargon, and topics into understandable and compelling content for print and digital media that can be understood by a wide variety of audiences, from the general public to academic peers.
Regularly produces content to create awareness among statewide and national (and sometimes international) stakeholders about the university's groundbreaking multidisciplinary work, research institutes, and other contributions that make UT a top research university.
Conducts interviews (that may be recorded for public distribution as audio files) with faculty experts to explore their research findings.
Proactively identifies new opportunities and story leads for the team to add value or demonstrate thought leadership to campus clients and colleagues based on an up-to-date understanding of key scientific and industry-wide trends.
Collaborates with other OCM departments (creative, marketing, digital, video, and events) to proactively execute integrated marketing and communications plans that advance the university's research-related priorities.
Develops and maintains professional working relationships with faculty, deans, and administrators in scientific and scholarly areas; consults with them on plans to publicize and promote their research activities and successes to external audiences.
Maintains and builds key relationships within the university and in the community, including the scientific staff of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, CNS/Y-12, and other national labs and key industry partners as required to plan for and create content related to high-profile research collaborations and partnerships.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent science writing skills, including the ability to translate technical scientific jargon and findings into accessible language for a general audience
Excellent interviewing skills
Ability to consistently meet deadlines
Working knowledge of traditional and emerging media
Solid knowledge of branding guidelines
Solid knowledge of AP and/or Chicago Manual of Style guides and rules
Interacts well with campus partners, office staff, and UT administrators
Provides and is receptive to feedback and constructive criticism
Works independently and in a group setting
Ability to identify stories and research that can have major impact
Past experience writing about technical or scientific subjects in an academic or industry setting or for those audiences

Required:

Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field and at least four years of public relations or related communications experience; or Associate degree in communications or a related field and at least six years of public relations or related communications experience.

Preferred:

Master's degree in communications or a related field

Salary:

The hiring range for this position is MR10. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, discounted athletics tickets, and more.

Application Process

A review of all applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter, resume, three writing samples, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3844/?mode=location