About the job

The Science Communicator is part of a communications team advancing and sharing fundamental and novel developments for the United Soybean Board (USB). The main purpose is to produce content to communicate USB’s research efforts to a variety of audiences. The candidate must understand complex scientific information, theories and practices. They should be able to write in clear, concise and accurate language that can be understood by the general public.

The Science Communicator will write stories based on research results from a broad spectrum of business areas; producing content such as social media posts, articles for publications, website information, and other print and electronic media. Two of the purposes of the work will be to convey
research results to enhance soy’s reputation, plus to educate target audiences so they can benefit from the research.

Responsibilities:

  • Create impactful written and visual content for 1-2 educational or promotional highlights per month directed for audiences outside of the soy community.
  • Communicate effectively, clearly, and creatively in both written and visual mediums on complex technical and scientific information to a general audience.
  • Serve as a liaison with the USB communications team and assist in the development of news releases, feature stories, and other informational materials as requested.
  • Interface with diverse points of contact such as community stakeholders at public events, USB senior management, farmers and scientists.
  • Working with staff on science writing and narrative in science presentations to assist with engaging communication of scientific findings at public and professional meetings.
  • Handle multiple projects simultaneously and work independently or as part of a team.
  • Meet deadlines and remain flexible as expectations and projects shift.
  • Participate in outreach efforts related to scientific meetings, special events and tours.
  • Internal working relationships:
  • Interacts with project managers, the program managers concerning general program design, service to USB, coordination and project actives.
  • This position will also interact with the communications manager regarding effective communication of information to USB.

External working relationships:

Interact with USB Directors and executive staff concerning program communications; with subcontractors regarding program science; and as needed with QSSBs, other allied industry organizations and government agencies for additional background.
Some travel (up to 15%) may be involved in executing the essential job responsibilities.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor degree in journalism or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of science-writing experience.
  • Experience in desktop publishing and web-based communications and/or outreach.
  • Demonstrated ability in cultivating relationships with a wide range of individuals, including scientists and administrators, and in interacting with a diverse community of scientific, professional, and technical personnel at all organizational levels is necessary.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Training and experience in a discipline related to the assignment (i.e. biological sciences).
  • Previous experience in communication arts, with an emphasis in science writing.
  • Proofreading and copyediting.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

  • Familiarity with MS Office products, website analytics, social media, and web production
  • Strong collaborative skills; experience with multimedia.
  • Grant writing experience will be considered a plus.