We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Senior Research Writer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 10, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State's Office of Strategic Communications-the University's central public relations and marketing division-seeks a Senior Research Writer who can help elevate Penn State's reputation as a top research university. With a focus on supporting the College of Medicine, the person in this position will use their leadership skills and strategic thinking to develop and implement integrated communications plans around thematic research priorities, produce high-impact content, position faculty experts in national and global conversations, and cultivate relationships with influential media outlets. This person will also collaborate across units to ensure alignment with institutional goals and national research priorities.

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of being on the University Park campus two to three days per week and traveling regularly to the College of Medicine campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Key Responsibilities

The person in this position will:

  • Participate in strategic planning to promote the College of Medicine's research strengths, including meeting with college leaders to understand goals and priorities
  • Create and implement integrated communications plans through multi-channel dissemination (including news releases, op-eds, multimedia, and social media) to support reputation building in key thematic areas
  • Lead the promotion of peer-reviewed University research findings
  • Position faculty experts in national and global conversations and media outlets through targeted pitch strategies
  • Identify and prioritize high-impact research stories across the University
  • Build and maintain relationships with regional, national, and international media
  • Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews
  • Experiment with innovative storytelling formats and evaluate performance metrics to refine strategy
  • Review/edit research-related stories written by communicators across the University
  • Develop reports for leadership that highlight success metrics
  • Collaborate with Strategic Communications' leadership to allocate resources and set content priorities
  • Mentor junior writers and provide guidance to unit communicators on best practices
  • Contribute to University-wide initiatives such as impact campaigns and leadership communications

Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will:

  • Have experience translating complex research into accessible narratives for diverse audiences
  • Understand trends in science communication, media, and higher education
  • Be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Possess outstanding interpersonal, editing, and verbal communications skills
  • Have the ability to develop and execute strategic plans and lead complex projects
  • Possess strong leadership and collaboration skills
  • Be a self-starter who works effectively alone and with others
  • Have experience in strategic communications, media relations, or research communications

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

About Penn State's Office of Strategic Communications

As Penn State's central public relations and marketing division, the Office of Strategic Communications is a fully integrated, award-winning, best-in-class marketing and public relations team defined by innovative strategy and breakthrough creative driven by measurable goals. We advance the University by strengthening and protecting the institution's reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment, resource and leadership goals.

Spanning Penn State's large-scale enterprise-including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000-the Office of Strategic Communications' work encompasses all forms of communications and engagement, ranging from branding, marketing, and trademark and event management to internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management. We've attracted talented and diverse team members from private and public sectors at all levels of our division, giving us the ability to build a strategic program of excellence recognized throughout the University.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

Applied = 0

(web-54bd5f4dd9-cz9jf)