What are the responsibilities and job description for the Science Writer, Cancer Discovery position at American Association for Cancer Research?
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has an exciting opportunity for a scientist with exceptional writing and communication skills to join the editorial team of its flagship journal, Cancer Discovery. This position is designed for a PhD-trained scientist who can bring curiosity, scientific depth, critical thinking, and media awareness to coverage of the rapidly evolving cancer research landscape as part of Cancer Discovery News.
The Science Writer, Cancer Discovery, will report to the Executive Editor of Cancer Discovery and work closely with the News Editor for Cancer Discovery News. The Science Writer will develop authoritative, engaging content that helps scientists, physician-scientists, and translational researchers understand not only important developments in cancer research, but their significance, context, and implications for the field.
The Science Writer will cover major scientific advances as well as emerging technologies, therapeutic approaches, research trends, funding and policy developments, and other forces shaping the cancer research ecosystem. The position will place particular emphasis on stories requiring scientific depth, synthesis of complex information, and independent assessment of an emerging field or development.
As an integrated member of the Cancer Discovery editorial team, the Science Writer will participate in scientific and editorial discussions, remain attuned to emerging areas of research and the journal's scientific priorities, and have a highly visible role in the cancer research community to develop a broad network of researchers and other experts. The Science Writer will also collaborate with scientific editors and colleagues across AACR publications and other AACR departments and may contribute to additional editorial formats and initiatives.
The position may be based in an AACR office in Philadelphia or Boston.
Cancer Discovery is among the world’s most preeminent cancer journals publishing major advances in basic, translational, and clinical research (2026 Impact Factor 29.5). Cancer Discovery is an essential information resource that also publishes highly regarded news stories—including pieces on advances in cancer research and treatment, technology, business, people and places, therapeutics-related FDA activity, science and public policy, and research funding—as well as review articles, perspectives and commentaries, and summaries of important findings in other journals.
The Science Writer, Cancer Discovery, will report to the Executive Editor of Cancer Discovery and work closely with the News Editor for Cancer Discovery News. The Science Writer will develop authoritative, engaging content that helps scientists, physician-scientists, and translational researchers understand not only important developments in cancer research, but their significance, context, and implications for the field.
The Science Writer will cover major scientific advances as well as emerging technologies, therapeutic approaches, research trends, funding and policy developments, and other forces shaping the cancer research ecosystem. The position will place particular emphasis on stories requiring scientific depth, synthesis of complex information, and independent assessment of an emerging field or development.
As an integrated member of the Cancer Discovery editorial team, the Science Writer will participate in scientific and editorial discussions, remain attuned to emerging areas of research and the journal's scientific priorities, and have a highly visible role in the cancer research community to develop a broad network of researchers and other experts. The Science Writer will also collaborate with scientific editors and colleagues across AACR publications and other AACR departments and may contribute to additional editorial formats and initiatives.
The position may be based in an AACR office in Philadelphia or Boston.
- Research and write news stories and features and deliver them according to scheduled deadlines.
- In collaboration with the Executive Editors, News Editor, and other AACR departments, develop news and feature content that is topical, accurate, timely, and of interest to the oncology community.
- Oversee the popular “Research Watch” section of the journal, which includes providing an overview of the recent literature to the editorial team, selecting articles to feature, and writing and editing summaries of research articles for weekly online and monthly print deadlines.
- Stay abreast of current, relevant news and trends to best position Cancer Discovery news content.
- Attend and report from relevant conferences and network with meeting attendees.
- Collaborate with the editorial staff of the other AACR journals, as well as with other AACR staff members within the Publications and other AACR divisions to ensure good communication and promotion of synergistic
Cancer Discovery is among the world’s most preeminent cancer journals publishing major advances in basic, translational, and clinical research (2026 Impact Factor 29.5). Cancer Discovery is an essential information resource that also publishes highly regarded news stories—including pieces on advances in cancer research and treatment, technology, business, people and places, therapeutics-related FDA activity, science and public policy, and research funding—as well as review articles, perspectives and commentaries, and summaries of important findings in other journals.
- PhD in a biomedical, life science, or related field, with demonstrated expertise relevant to cancer research.
- Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging, and authoritative content for a sophisticated audience.
- Ability to identify and develop compelling story ideas from the scientific literature, conferences, and emerging research trends affecting the broader cancer research ecosystem.
- Ability to interview and communicate effectively with cancer researchers and other scientific experts and to synthesize multiple perspectives into accurate, balanced, and insightful coverage.
- Ability to explain highly technical concepts to scientists working in other disciplines without sacrificing nuance.
- High level of initiative and organizational ability, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet editorial deadlines.
- Familiarity with social media channels relevant to the cancer research community and sources of cancer-related news.
- Ability to develop productive relationships with researchers and other experts throughout the cancer research community.
- Ability to travel to relevant scientific conferences and meetings.