Science Communications Specialist

Job Description

The Department of Biochemistry has an outstanding opportunity for Science Communications Specialist to join their team

About this Opportunity

This position directly supports the Baker and King lab’s communications needs by creating tailored presentations of the science including graphs and figures. This position will also support our grant and philanthropy proposals by providing engaging stories from the labs, along with media and graphics appropriate for each audience. The Science Communication Specialist's work directly influences institutional outcomes including faculty and trainee recruitment, partnership development, donor engagement, and public understanding of protein design. Publications in outlets such as the New York Times, NPR, Science, Nature, and The Wall Street Journal depend on coordinated content development that this role executes. The position also ensures that breakthrough research moments — clinical trial launches, major publications, partnership announcements — receive the communications support necessary to maximize visibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities

General Communication (50%)

• Translate new IPD research into accessible narratives for general, scientific, and specialized audiences; produce web features, blog posts, and social content. Attend bi-weekly Baker and weekly King Lab meetings and other lab events to stay updated on emerging science and IPD projects.
• Produce slides and other visual content for Drs. Baker and King. Be able to quickly adapt presentations for appropriate audiences.
• Interview IPD researchers to gather information for all content; ensure technical accuracy while maintaining accessibility for intended audiences.
• Profile IPD trainees, visiting scholars, and alumni through blog posts, videos, and social features that demonstrate the Institute's training environment and research culture; create content that supports competitive recruitment of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and new faculty.
• Create stories showcasing protein design applications beyond medicine, including climate solutions, materials science, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
• Produce original photography, graphics, and video content including researcher profiles, research explainers, and impact stories featuring alumni and spinout companies; maintain high visual and editorial standards across all deliverables.
• Oversee visits from external photographers, videographers, and media crews; manage access arrangements, release forms, and content rights in coordination with UW policies.

Digital Communications (25%)

• Maintain IPD websites (ipd.uw.edu, bakerlab.org, and related properties) ensuring content accuracy, accessibility compliance, and alignment with UW web standards; create and update dedicated content hubs for key research narratives; publish regular features on visiting scholars, partnership milestones, and translation achievements.
• Manage IPD social media accounts across LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and YouTube under Director oversight; maintain scheduling systems using platforms such as Buffer; execute content strategies that achieve measurable growth in reach, engagement, and audience development.
• Track and analyze web and social media performance; provide reports showing reach, engagement, audience demographics, and traffic sources; identify high-performing content and recommend strategic adjustments based on data.
• Coordinate with UW Marketing & Communications to ensure brand consistency while maintaining the IPD's distinct visual identity and voice.

Internal Communications and Team Operations (25%)

• Work cross functionally with the Director of Communications & Media to coordinate efforts.
• Maintain editorial calendar tracking all communications projects; manage publishing workflows ensuring consistent quality, voice, and visual standards across channels.
• Support internal communications that build community across 250+ IPD members; contribute to weekly internal news digests and other IPD-wide announcements.
• Collaborate with IPD administrative staff to maintain a communications database tracking publications, trainee milestones, translation achievements, partnerships, and funding announcements, ensuring systematic capture of communications opportunities.
• Coordinate with the Grants Team to support and help write impact and progress reports.
• Participate in communications planning sessions; propose content initiatives based on emerging opportunities, researcher achievements, and audience analytics.
• Contribute to development of style guides, brand guidelines, and standard operating procedures for communications workflows.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license,certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science or related field and 3 or more years of related field.

Additional Qualifications

• Portfolio of science communication work (academic, nonprofit, or media settings) demonstrating ability to translate research into accessible written content for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Self-directed work style with high attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Collaborative approach and comfort working with diverse stakeholders including researchers, administrators, and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree.
• Experience with web content management systems (WordPress or similar), social media management platforms, and basic design tools.
• Photography and video production skills; experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, or similar creative tools.
• Familiarity with protein science, structural biology, biochemistry, or AI/ML concepts.
• Experience in academic medical center or research institution communications.
• Understanding of research administration, grant funding, and academic publishing processes.

About the Department

As the IPD has grown to 250+ members producing 50+ publications annually across top-tier journals, dedicated communications capacity has become essential infrastructure rather than optional support.

The Science Communication Specialist is a key member of the IPD primarily supporting the Baker and King labs. This position is responsible for translating cutting-edge research into accessible narratives and creating digital content that amplifies the Institute's global leadership. The Science Communication Specialist ensures consistent, high-quality output across all communications channels. This position will report to the IPD’s Director of Administration, but will work under the direction of the Director and Deputy Director. This position will work lockstep with Drs. Baker and King to create elevated slides for talks, presentations, and philanthropic events. They will attend group meetings and embed themselves within the labs to track projects, papers, and have knowledge of emerging and exciting science.

The Science Communication Specialist operates at the intersection of emerging science and public engagement, requiring the ability to rapidly understand complex research findings and translate them into multiple formats for diverse audiences. requires diplomatic collaboration with IPD researchers who have varying levels of experience with public communication, external partners who expect professional-grade deliverables, and UW offices that enforce consistent standards for all university communications.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.