Science Writer and Communications Specialist

Requisition Id 12927 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an experienced science writer and communications specialist who is interested in contributing to the advancement of supercomputing. This on-site position resides in ORNL’s Communications Division and is matrixed to the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), which is home to Frontier, the world’s fastest supercomputer and first to exceed the exascale performance barrier.

In support of US Department of Energy missions, ORNL offers the most diverse research and development portfolio among 17 national laboratories. Our immense store of computing power enables scientists and mathematicians from across the globe accelerate scientific discovery across a broad range of disciplines while advancing US technological leadership. ORNL contains the institutional knowledge needed to transform basic science into cutting-edge energy and security applications critical to national interests.

The ideal candidate will have experience writing about scientific and technical subject matter, and creating and implementing digital content such as social media, websites, and video. This job is based on the ORNL campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and is full-time onsite.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Understand and write about complex science- and technology-related topics and materials and work with senior scientists and managers to produce timely, interesting, and compelling science and technology articles that readily convey the importance and excitement of the work at ORNL to multiple audiences, including DOE, scientifically trained researchers and sponsors, and the public.

• Write news releases, feature articles, science highlights, website content, promotional pieces, fact sheet content, social media content, and other materials that clearly and effectively communicate research findings, technical developments, key programming messages, and other news and information.

• Organize information from various scientific and often highly technical sources, including interviews with subject matter experts, and produce written materials in concise language without loss of technical meaning and with meticulous attention to logic, consistency, and accuracy. Collaborate with technical editors to ensure adherence to grammar and style guidelines.

• Work with external media, including science and trade publications, on coverage of the OLCF.

• Develop content for the division’s social media channels, including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Develop strategy to drive ongoing engagement with compelling posts and material.

• Develop, update, and maintain informative and compelling website content, adhering to a consistent schedule to keep information fresh and encourage return visits.

• Incorporate multi-media into overall communications strategy. Suggest visual material in support of scientific and promotional information needs. Work with graphic designers, photographers, and video producers to develop attractive and high-visual-impact products.

• Collaborate with the OLCF’s communications team lead, other members of OLCF, Communications, and Creative Services to provide needed support and required products.

• Comply with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

• A B.S. degree in communications, journalism, English, or a science-related field.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience producing communications products on science-and/or technology-related subjects for diverse audiences. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have the ability to dive into the minutiae of scientific progress while maintaining awareness of high-level strategic objectives.

• Communications experience in a national laboratory setting or other large research institution, including academia and industry, is preferred.

• The successful candidate should have excellent scientific/technical reading, editing, and writing skills (will be expected to provide writing samples).

• Demonstrated ability to work with scientists and engineers to build expertise and earn trusted collaborator status is necessary.

• The candidate should be able to manage communications projects from concept to completion in collaboration with other team members; develop content for multiple platforms, including social media, video, and web; and create content that aligns with communications strategic objectives.

• The successful candidate should have excellent attention to detail; the ability to understand, follow, and implement complex instructions; strong organizational skills, including the flexibility to simultaneously handle several assignments; and excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• The candidate should possess strong skills in solving problems and developing and implementing solutions; the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; and the ability to work—both independently (under minimal supervision) and with all levels of researchers and staff—in a team-based collaborative environment.

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

#LI-DC1 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.