Writer/Researcher

Qualifications
Some completed college coursework in science, liberal arts or another field relevant to the duties specified above
One year of writing experience (e.g., for publications/websites or communications-related fields)
Experience working with scientists/other experts
Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods
Must be able to move about the Museum campus
Benefits
The expected salary range for the Writer/Researcher is $70,000/annual – $78,000/annual
The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community
Pay will be determined based on several factors
The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities
The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience
Responsibilities
The Museum’s Exhibition Editorial team is seeking a full-time Writer/Researcher to research and write original interpretive text for temporary exhibitions and/or permanent halls at the Museum
Reporting to the Director of Exhibition Editorial, the Writer/Researcher works closely with both Exhibition and other Museum peers to develop this content
In some instance, the Writer/Researcher needs to meet with and interview outside experts to obtain needed information and perspectives used to shape the thematic direction of the interpretation
Research story ideas, including by speaking with curators and other experts at AMNH and elsewhere
Use this information to develop original ideas for exhibit displays and to develop themes and concepts for interpretive content, relying on their own judgment of which ideas will be most interesting and engaging for visitors
Write clear, accurate, engaging, original interpretive text that reflects the Writer/Researcher’s creativity and writing talents
Coordinate and work collaboratively with Exhibition peers, other departments and outside advisors, including in frequent meetings
Lead meetings related to interpretive content and advise the Exhibition team on exhibit display ideas
Share content goals of exhibitions with Museum staff (i.e., in Education, Public Programs, Communications, Global Business Development)
Edit and proofread final text
The production of final, printer-ready labels is a complex process, requiring multiple rounds of review with curators, advisors, graphic designers and photo researchers
Lead this process, providing direction to other on the team to ensure timely project progress and the panels are well-written and error-free
Job description
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Museum’s Exhibition Editorial team is seeking a full-time Writer/Researcher to research and write original interpretive text for temporary exhibitions and/or permanent halls at the Museum. Reporting to the Director of Exhibition Editorial, the Writer/Researcher works closely with both Exhibition and other Museum peers to develop this content. In some instance, the Writer/Researcher needs to meet with and interview outside experts to obtain needed information and perspectives used to shape the thematic direction of the interpretation.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:
• Research story ideas, including by speaking with curators and other experts at AMNH and elsewhere. Use this information to develop original ideas for exhibit displays and to develop themes and concepts for interpretive content, relying on their own judgment of which ideas will be most interesting and engaging for visitors.
• Write clear, accurate, engaging, original interpretive text that reflects the Writer/Researcher’s creativity and writing talents.
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with Exhibition peers, other departments and outside advisors, including in frequent meetings. Lead meetings related to interpretive content and advise the Exhibition team on exhibit display ideas. Share content goals of exhibitions with Museum staff (i.e., in Education, Public Programs, Communications, Global Business Development).
• Edit and proofread final text. The production of final, printer-ready labels is a complex process, requiring multiple rounds of review with curators, advisors, graphic designers and photo researchers. Lead this process, providing direction to other on the team to ensure timely project progress and the panels are well-written and error-free.

The expected salary range for the Writer/Researcher is $70,000/annual – $78,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Some completed college coursework in science, liberal arts or another field relevant to the duties specified above.
• One year of writing experience (e.g., for publications/websites or communications-related fields).
• Experience working with scientists/other experts.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or graduate-level degree in science, liberal arts or another related field.
• Experience writing for web/media interactives.
• Experience working in a museum setting.

Physical Demands:
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.