Argonne National Laboratory is hiring a Science Communications Coordinator and Writer to support the lab’s Physical Sciences and Engineering organization. At Argonne, we seek science and technology solutions to the grand challenges of our time. Join our world-class community to make a difference!

We’re looking for a talented communicator who is passionate about science and technology and experienced in a range of external and/or internal communications functions. Science writing experience in the physical sciences is particularly desirable.

The successful candidate will tell the stories of Argonne science through traditional and digital media, develop and execute communications plans and products, support events for laboratory staff and the public, advise and support researchers as they seek to communicate their successes, and more.

The Science Communications Coordinator and Writer will collaborate with research and operational staff to develop and execute communications in support of chemistry, nuclear physics, high energy physics, materials science, and nanoscience.

The successful candidate will also work closely with communicators representing other Argonne science and technology areas to tell broader science stories, spanning diverse research areas from clean energy to quantum science. As a member of the lab’s Communications and Public Affairs Division, the Science Communications Coordinator and Writer will be able to leverage the expertise of teams of writers, designers, video producers, photographers, media relations professionals, web and social media experts, and events coordinators to support the needs of the Physical Sciences and Engineering organization.

Primary Activities

• Reporting to the Head of Communications for Physical Sciences and Engineering, support the implementation of an annual strategic communications plan for the Physical Sciences and Engineering organization.
• Understand the work of the organization, its key priorities, objectives, sponsors and partners. Build relationships with researchers and leaders within the organization.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the subject matter and trends applicable to the organization’s science and partnerships.
• Plan, coordinate and execute original communications products and publications related to the organization’s research and operations.
• Write a variety of communications from news releases to internal memos to web copy.
• Serve as a representative of the directorate on communications initiatives that cross other laboratory areas. 
• Ensure that communications products align with overall laboratory messaging and branding.
• Seek opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Argonne communications.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree + 4 years of experience, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in the delivery of clear and concise communication to internal and external audiences.
• Communications experience across several of the following areas: science writing, media relations, internal communications, digital communications, and event planning.
• Able to write for a variety of formats, in varying levels of formality, with strategic attention to tone.
• Able to develop compelling editorial content, and conceptualize major elements of print, video or other creative products.
• Ability to translate scientific and technical content for both basic and sophisticated audiences, focusing on the impact of the work in real-world terms.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable results (increased awareness, higher client satisfaction, increased engagement, etc.).
• Client service mindset, able to take in and clarify objectives and goals of researchers and leadership.

Deadline driven, highly responsive and organized with strong attention to detail.

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