Senior Science Communications Officer

Responsibilities:

• Covers, writes about and disseminates research, programmatic and/or appointment news for basic and translational science departments, divisions, labs, programs, centers, etc.
• Develops a rich content expertise in the sciences/biomedical research, requiring a deep understanding of biology and high-level scientific concepts and approaches.
• Builds relationships and trust with members of the faculty and staff and encourages collaboration.
• Maintains confidential information at all times.
• Serves as main content creator and point of contact for basic- and translational-specific channels including Penn Medicine Benchmarks Twitter account (creates content, develops and implements campaigns and handles community management) and Benchmarks monthly newsletter, a digital publication showcasing the fundamental and translational science work at Penn Medicine.
• Contributes ideas and written and multimedia content for the department's internal communications and publications.
• Works with other members of the Communications team and department leadership to spearhead publicity efforts for special news and institutional developments related to basic and translational science, and biomedical research.
• Develops and participates in promoting special events that advance the reputation and achievements of Penn Medicine to the media, as well as to the thought-leader community.
• Handles media inquiries in a timely fashion and participates in a regular rotation of Press Officer "on call" coverage.
• Represents a professional and positive image of Penn Medicine to internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents Penn Medicine at national and local professional scientific meetings and groups.
• Demonstrates good judgment in assessing stories for potential newsworthiness and develops own ideas for telling bench-to-bed side stories that may otherwise not make headlines.
• Covers, writes about and disseminates clinical, programmatic, education and/or appointment news. Builds relationships and trust with members of the faculty and staff and encourages collaboration. Maintains confidential information at all times.
• Works with other members of the Communications team and with the Director to publicize special news and institutional developments.
  

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 5+ years of experience must be in public relations/communications/journalism or a combination of communications plus science/medicine experience at a professional level.
• 5+ years of experience in translating technical information into language accessible by media and the lay public. 
  

  OR

• Master 's degree preferred. 
• 3+ years of experience in public relations/communications/journalism or a combination of science/medicine experience at a professional level is preferred.