Research Writer

About the role

Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications seeks an experienced Senior Research Writer to support national security research at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) and the newly created National Security Institute (NSI).

Responsibilities

• Participate in strategic planning to promote Penn State’s applied research and national security research strengths, with a particular emphasis on ARL and NSI.
• Build trusted relationships with ARL, NSI, and unit leadership to understand research priorities, sponsor expectations, and institutional goals.
• Develop and implement integrated communications plans that support reputation building and stakeholder engagement, using multichannel approaches (i.e., news stories, feature articles, multimedia, social media, executive messaging).
• Lead the promotion of peer-reviewed and sponsor-funded research, translating technically complex work into clear, accurate, and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Position faculty experts and research leaders in appropriate national conversations, including media, policy, and industry forums, while navigating sensitivities related to national security research.
• Collaborate with internal partners to ensure communications align with federal sponsor requirements, export control considerations, and institutional policies.
• Identify opportunities to highlight the real-world impact of applied research, including technology development, partnerships, and workforce contributions.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews in collaboration with Strategic Communications leadership.
• Experiment with innovative storytelling formats and evaluate performance metrics to refine communications strategies.
• Mentor junior writers and provide guidance to unit communicators on best practices in research and science storytelling.
• Contribute to University-wide initiatives, including research impact campaigns and leadership communications.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific or technical research into accessible, accurate narratives.
• Understanding of trends in applied research, national security, higher education, and/or science communication.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans.
• Familiarity with/having knowledge of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar platforms.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and relationship building skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proactive and effective in both independent and team settings.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• A generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position that combines remote and on-campus working.