Science Communications Officer

About the role

As Science Communications Officer you employ your science enthusiasm and writing skills to support both the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (80%) and the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology (20%). In this cross-center role, you will bring the scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and societal impact of both Centers to diverse audiences through a variety of communication channels. In addition, you will organize and coordinate scientific, networking and outreach events initiated by both Centers, fostering collaboration, engagement and knowledge exchange within the scientific community and beyond.

The Science Communications Officer will be part of the overall VIB Communications team and reports hierarchically to the VIB Communications Director at HQ. Functionally, you work closely with and support the leadership teams at both Centers.

Key tasks & responsibilities

1. Communications support

• Develop and execute a national and international strategic communication plan to enhance the visibility of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) as a leader in Plant Biology research;
• Support the communication needs and visibility of the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB) through content creation, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications.
• Liaise with the Centers’ scientists on their latest scientific findings or achievements, as well as liaising with the different communities in the Centers, and translating these scientific findings and achievements into high-quality content for international audiences;
• Generate high-quality written and visual content for the Centers’ websites, published and online media, and social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.),with a focus on broadening global reach;
• Generate high-quality press releases, working with and advising PIs on newsworthy topics, and delivering copy and visuals. You will work with the Communications team at HQ to determine news angles. The distribution of press releases and the maintenance of relationships with the media are managed by the HQ team.
• Enhance and professionalize presentations and communication materials;
• Organize and coordinate scientific events, such as the yearly PSB Symposium and the biennial CMB retreat;
• Support and report on initiatives from our internal communities, including the Postdoc committee, PhD committee, Tech committee, and Eco teams;
• Maintain the Centers’ relationships with key local, national, and international stakeholders across academia, industry, funding bodies, patient and societal organizations;
• Execute additional tasks as required within the scope of the role and in consultation with the Centers’ management teams.

2. VIB Communications Strategy and Projects

Together with the VIB HQ Communications team, you take part in conceptualizing and rolling out the VIB Communications strategy.

• You feed the VIB Communications team with the detected needs within both Centers;
• You actively contribute to centrally developed stories, campaigns, and newsletters by providing story ideas, liaising with Center staff for the development of stories in support of central initiatives, and by reinforcing centrally developed stories via Center channels;
• You work closely with the HQ team about the development and distribution of press releases.
• You attend and actively contribute to team meetings, brainstorms, and training.

Your profile

• Master's degree in life sciences or a related discipline, with the ability to quickly grasp and communicate complex scientific content. Familiarity with plant biology, biomedical research, or both is a strong advantage.
• Passion for science and life sciences is key to success in this role;
• Proven expertise in strategic science communication. Experience in a similar role, particularly with an international communication focus, is a significant asset.
• Proven ability to communicate complex scientific topics clearly and effectively to different stakeholders;
• Excellent verbal, written, and diplomatic communication skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus;
• A real team player with the capacity to take initiative and work independently in a dynamic and fast-paced environment;
• Strong sense of responsibility and a positive, enthusiastic approach to your work;
• Willingness to engage and to be part of the community and develop a strong onsite presence;

Our offer

• A full-time position in an international and diverse research environment in a world-class scientific institute.
• Indefinite contract with a competitive salary and benefits package based on expertise and experience.
• Learning and development opportunities to broaden your expertise.