Science Communications Specialist

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.

We would like to meet self-starters who are passionate about scientific discovery and excel at science writing and multifaceted storytelling. Ideal candidates will possess an innate curiosity, a love of language, and an eagerness to contribute to our multifunctional team.

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 easy-to-understand 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 research-focused lay-friendly 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 public-facing 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 lay-friendly 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 public-facing events.

Work with C&M colleagues to ensure asset accuracy and quality.

• Proof and fact-check 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 fast-paced environment

• Enjoy working both collaboratively and independently

• Love creativity, brainstorming and problem-solving

• 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 copy-editing

• 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 problem-solving skills

• Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Experience with multimedia content development

What kind of qualifications are a bonus?

• Experience with the Adobe Design Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
• Experience with Biorender, Canva and similar platforms

What we offer:

• An endless supply of interesting projects at the forefront of science.

• Highly collaborative and supportive teammates.

• Experience with multifaceted communications initiatives.

• A launchpad to an exciting communications career.

• Competitive salary and benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a 401(K) plan with an employer match; paid vacation and PTO; parental leave, and more. For a full list of benefits, please visit vai.org/careers.

Your next steps

If you are a person who has demonstrated success and interest in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! We encourage you to Apply Today!

Submit your online application here:

• Submit one combined pdf document including your Resume/CV and 3 professional references (we will ask before contacting them)
• During the online application, you will be asked to submit answers to a series of questions.

This position will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing rolling basis. If you have any difficulty uploading your application, or have any questions, please email Megan Doerr at Megan.Doerr@vai.org.

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute's scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly.

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.