Scientific Communications Manager

The Manager, Scientific Communications researches, writes, edits, and records multimedia content to communicate the research and mission of the Salk Institute with our internal community, donors, media, members of the general public, and other stakeholders. The individual manages two direct reports, a Science Communication Specialist and Senior Science Illustrator, as well as freelance contract writers and other vendors.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Develops a range of public-facing content for the Institute, including but not limited to: Institute magazine pieces, press releases, Salk.edu pages, lab websites, podcast interviews, brochures, video scripts, social media posts, promotional materials, media advisories, tip sheets, biographies, leadership messages, talking points, donor-related collateral, and other science-related collateral.
• Serves as a primary editor and copyeditor, overseeing the proofing and editing of all content, with an emphasis on donor and leadership-focused materials and those with urgent deadlines, to ensure adherence to Salk style and branding.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with faculty and leadership to collect information and apply science communications best practices and expertise to translate research for a wide variety of lay audience materials. Ensures that final drafts are approved by scientists and other stakeholders.
• Works closely with faculty members and other scientists to develop lay-friendly presentations for donor audiences.
• Maintains relationships with scientific journals and publishers to best serve the Institute. This includes setting embargos and publication dates that will increase reporter engagement when possible. Collaborates with other external organizations, foundations, universities, and institutions to write, edit, and promote Salk's science communication content.
• Works in conjunction with the digital communications team to facilitate processes for timely publication of content on websites and through email marketing.
• Works with Media Relations Manager to ensure accuracy and timeliness of scientific content in press releases and media pitches.
• Independently identifies appropriate photography, science images, and graphics for newsletters, press releases, Inside Salk magazine, and the web to couple with completed articles.
• In conjunction with video and AV staff, scripts, edits, and produces scientific video shoots, animation videos, and podcasts. Conducts interviews with scientists for video shoots and podcasts to ensure the best and most powerful sound bites are captured accurately.
• Researches and experiments with new AI-based and other multimedia tools for content production, dissemination, and workflow.
• Assists with special event support and media relations as needed and as other priorities allow.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsbilities:

• Directly supervises two employees within the Communications team, the Science Writer and Science Illustrator, to provide oversight, strategy, and guidance.
• Oversees freelance contract writers, including managing contracts, planning and forecasting budgets, assigning work, managing timelines, and editing copy.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; making recommendations for employee merit increases and other compensation actions.

What we Require

• 5+ years of experience writing and translating molecular/cell biology, neuroscience, or related life science topics for a general audience, based on reading primary research papers and interviewing scientists.
• Previous experience working in a press office, media relations, or science journalism, including writing and editing news stories or press releases.
• Must be an excellent writer, editor, and communicator who can work independently and in collaboration with scientists, faculty, leadership, and colleagues.
• Basic knowledge of the scientific publication process.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university in public relations, journalism, communications, biological sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's Degree (MA/MS) in science journalism, communications, biological sciences, or related field preferred.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office; Project Management Software, such as Asana and Slack
• Other skills required: Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize daily operations to meet rigid deadlines, ensure smooth workflow, and manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously, often working under pressure with frequent interruptions.

What We Can Offer

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.