Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Science Writer & Communications Specialist to join the Strategic Communications Department. The Strategic Communications Department shares and promotes the Lab's scientific, institutional, and operational priorities with key audiences inside and outside Berkeley Lab, which is the home of world-class team science in service to the nation. As a Science Writer & Communications Specialist, this position will work with department staff, subject matter experts, and Berkeley 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 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, this position will draw from expertise in the tactics of journalism, science communications, media relations, and public relations to help achieve organizational goals. The successful candidate will continually seek to improve and innovate, providing resourcefulness and professionalism to enhance the quality and impact of Berkeley Lab's communications program. What You Will Do: - Work with department colleagues and Berkeley Lab experts to 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 a wide range of complex scientific or institutional topics, in clear, compelling, storytelling prose - with a particular focus on physics research, including particle physics, accelerator research, and cosmology.
- 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 Berkeley Lab staff of key research and operational initiatives.
- Back up other members of the department as needed by performing digital communications, web production, social media, news media relations, and other duties.
What is Required: - Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a science relevant to Berkeley Lab's research, in particular physics; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 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, with at least 2 years of experience writing physics-related articles and other content for a non-scientist audience.
- Tech savvy and experience in the use of internal and external communications tools and channels (such as social media, WordPress, Google Drive.).
- Effective time management and project management skills with the ability to prioritize work assignments, work collaboratively with others, adjust schedules based on changing requirements, and work well under pressure/during tight deadlines.
- Proven excellence in all areas of customer service.
- Strong journalism-based research, interview, writing, and editing skills.
Desired Qualifications: - Minimum 8 years of experience in organizational communications and/or journalism.
- 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, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
- This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
- 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.
- This position will be remote initially, but limited to individuals residing in the United States tentatively due to COVID-19. Once the Bay Area shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
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." |
