Science Communications Specialist - Grand Rapids, United States - Van Andel Institute

Van Andel Institute
Van Andel Institute
Verified Company
Grand Rapids, United States

3 weeks ago

Mark Lane

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Mark Lane

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Description

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health.

We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Are you an early career science writer with a penchant for PR?

  • Van Andel Institute (VAI)
is hiring a Science Communications Specialist to join our highly collaborative Communications & Marketing (C&M) team.

As a world leader in cancer epigenetics research with complementary strengths in neurodegeneration, metabolism, cell biology, and structural biology, Van Andel Institute is at the forefront of impact-focused scientific innovation.

The Science Communications Specialist will play a central role in telling stories about our science and scientists in accurate and engaging ways across multiple audiences.

This role will work closely with the Science Communications Strategist and other expert members of C&M to develop and deploy multifaceted science-focused content designed to educate and inspire.

What does a day in the life of this role look like?

VAI's C&M team is responsible for external public
- and donor-facing communications, including media relations, digital communications, storytelling, social media, advertising, and the VAI family of websites.


The Science Communications Specialist will collaborate closely with the Science Communications Strategist and C&M team members to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging, develop and deploy engaging content packages, assist with website content and updates, and support scientific, community engagement, and signature events.

On a given day, the Science Communications Specialist will:
Help tell the story of the Institute's science and scientists through multifaceted content.

  • Effectively synthesize and translate complex scientific content into easytounderstand language.
  • Source and draft compelling multimedia content for VAI's website and blog, including science explainers, trainee stories and Q&A features.
  • Source and draft researchfocused layfriendly stories for VAI's print publications, including the Annual Report and Highlights of Hope.
  • Collaborate with other C&M team members to develop engaging, innovative social media content for organic and paid posts.
  • Support content development for recruitment and other media and advertising campaigns.
  • Shepherd publicfacing content through the review and approval process to ensure accuracy and compliance with best practices and standards.
  • Develop internal communication materials, such as news items.
Develop content for VAI's Research and Graduate School web properties.

  • Draft engaging, accurate website content. Coordinate reviews and approvals.
  • Collaborate with other C&M team members to ensure lab, core and research sites are up to date.
  • Help maintain publication lists across the VAI family of lab sites.
  • Draft scientific and layfriendly biographies for postdoctoral fellows and other lab staff.
Create research-focused, lay-friendly content to support Events and Community Engagement efforts.

  • Draft research
- and impact-focused event descriptions and other content.

  • Collaborate with other C&M team members to develop compelling collateral for event promotion.
  • As needed, assist with identifying and preparing science speakers for publicfacing events.
Work with C&M colleagues to ensure asset accuracy and quality.

  • Proof and factcheck articles and materials.
  • Serve as backup for the Science Communications Strategist and other team members.
Is this role right for me?


The Science Communications Specialist will be part of the C&M team, a cross-functional department that works collaboratively across the Institute.


This role is right for you if you:

  • Thrive in a fastpaced environment
  • Enjoy working both collaboratively and independently
  • Love creativity, brainstorming and problemsolving
  • Are adept at managing multiple projects
  • Are a people person who loves to learn from others
  • Have a passion for science communications
What kind of qualifications does this role require?

  • A B.S. or B.A. in a biology, health
- or life sciences-related field with at least two years of public-focused writing experience OR a B.A. or B.S. in journalism, public relations, English, marketing or a related field with at least two years of experience in science writing

  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including copywriting and copyediting
  • Strong prioritization and organization skills
  • Ability to create content quickly, accurately and strategically
  • Ability to tell stories in multifaceted ways to target audiences
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good problemsolving skills
  • Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fastpaced environment
  • Experience with multimedia content development
What kind of qualifications are a bonus?

  • Experience with the Adobe Design Suite (Photo
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