Berkeley Lab currently has an opening for a Science Writer & Communications Specialist Berkeley Lab is the home of world-class team science in service to the nation. The Strategic Communications Department, reporting to the Lab Director, shares and promotes the Lab's scientific, institutional, and operational priorities with key audiences inside and outside the Lab. As a science writer and communications specialist in the Department, you will work with department staff, subject matter experts, and Lab leadership to distill complex scientific information into compelling and accurate language and formats. A typical day could consist of writing a news release on a scientific discovery or result, sharing a story ideas with members of the news media, developing engaging social media content, and working with department staff to develop multimedia designed to promote the Lab's scientific capabilities and achievements to multiple audiences. Like all members of the department, you will draw from your expertise in the tactics of journalism, science communications, media relations, and public relations to help achieve organizational goals. You will continually seek to improve and innovate, providing resourcefulness and professionalism to enhance the quality and impact of the Lab's communications program. The Science Writer will: Work with department colleagues and Lab experts, identify, research, write, edit, package, and assist in the distribution of informative, compelling content for a range of audiences. Write news releases, feature articles, and other content, often about complex scientific or institutional topics, in clear, compelling, storytelling prose. Stay informed of key achievements in selected scientific areas of the Lab and work with experts in those areas to develop communications products and strategies. Serve as a point of contact for members of the news media, and work to achieve and increase coverage of the Lab's scientific work. Develop content focused on building engagement and awareness among Lab staff of key research and operational initiatives. Support and/or lead communication projects as needed. Back up other members of the department as needed by performing digital communications, web production, social media, news media relations, and other duties. Serve as a representative and ambassador for the Strategic Communications Department. Assume responsibility for your continuing professional growth through participation in professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and professional journals and other publications.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a science relevant to Berkeley Lab's research, especially biosciences or equivalent experience At least five (5) years of related experience in organizational communications and/or journalism Experience and proficiency writing and editing smart, original articles about scientific research for a popular audience. Tech savvy and experience in the use of internal and external communications tools and channels (such as social media, WordPress, DropBox, Google Drive, etc.). Ability to work independently and within teams to achieve desired outcomes. Effective at time- and project-management skills with the ability to prioritize work assignments, work collaboratively with others, and adjust schedules based on changing requirements. Proven excellence in all areas of customer service. Strong journalism-based research, interview, writing, and editing skills. Track record of working well under pressure, during tight deadlines, with humor, tact, and professionalism.
Additional Desired Qualifications: Eight years or more of experience in organizational communications and/or journalism Visual intelligence and the ability to recognize and guide the development of effective visual and multimedia communication aids. Experience with social media in an institutional setting. Experience serving as a resource to members of the news media. Experience within a national laboratory or other science-based organization.
Notes: This is a full-time career appointment. Level will be determined based on demonstrated Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Work Schedule: Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."
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