About Us:

The Cancer Research Institute (CRI), established in 1953 and headquartered in New York City, is the preeminent U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to saving more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all cancers. 

Guided by a world-renowned Scientific Advisory Council that includes four Nobel laureates and 35 members of the National Academy of Sciences, CRI has invested over $517 million in support of research conducted by immunologists and tumor immunologists at the world's leading medical centers and universities and has contributed to many of the key scientific advances that demonstrate the potential for immunotherapy to change the face of cancer treatment. The Cancer Research Institute's research funding supports the entire continuum of basic discovery through early-stage clinical development of novel cancer immunotherapies.

Role: 

The Scientific Content Specialist will be responsible for turning the complexities of cancer immunotherapy into compelling, accessible narratives for audiences ranging from scientists and clinicians to patients, donors, and the broader public. We're looking for a skilled communicator—ideally with journalism experience in the health or science space—who can bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding.

This role sits at the intersection of science, storytelling, and strategy, helping shape CRI’s voice across a range of formats, including blog posts, press releases, email campaigns, social media, internal communications, and external marketing materials. The ideal candidate can flex seamlessly between audiences and platforms—crafting punchy headlines, persuasive donor messaging, clear scientific summaries, and thoughtful institutional announcements.

Candidates with experience in visual or multimedia storytelling (e.g., video scripting, photography, infographics, or social media) are strongly encouraged to apply.

You’ll work hybrid with in-person collaboration 2-3 days/week at our Lower Manhattan office. Occasional travel (up to 3 times per year) may be required for conferences or content creation opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Translate complex immuno-oncology concepts into clear, engaging content tailored to a range of audiences and platforms
• Create and edit written content including feature stories, blog posts, video scripts, patient stories, press releases, and donor communications with an eye towards SEO
• Collaborate with video, design, and digital teams to develop multimedia content (e.g., video, photography, infographics, social-first stories)
• Contribute to CRI’s blog, email series, and social content strategy
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians, patients, and other subject matter experts to gather information and source stories, ensuring content accuracy and relevance.
• Support content development for institutional reports, including the annual report and impact report
• Provide on-site and remote content coverage of key events, such as scientific conferences, patient summits, and CRI’s annual gala
• Help manage, maintain and contribute to CRI’s editorial calendar across departments
• Occasionally ghostwrite or edit executive communications and scientific thought leadership

Requirements:

• 4–6+ years of experience in journalism, science/health communications, or nonprofit storytelling
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex scientific topics—especially in immunology, oncology, or life sciences—to multiple audiences across platforms
• Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling skills
• A strong portfolio that includes examples of written and/or multimedia work
• Experience working within a content calendar and juggling multiple concurrent projects
• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working cross-functionally with communications, development, and program teams
• Strong attention to detail is crucial for ensuring scientific accuracy and quality
• Advanced degree in a science or communication-related field (MS, MPH, MA, etc.)
• Familiarity with the cancer research landscape or CRI’s mission and programs
• Experience producing multimedia content (e.g., video, photography, podcasts, infographics)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus

Benefits:

• 100% covered Health Insurance, Dental & Vision, Life Insurance, Long term & Short term disability
• 403b
• Paid Time off

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable laws and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits tailored to factors such as location, role complexity, and experience. For roles in Burlingame, CA or New York City, the estimated base salary range is $80K-100K  per year.