What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientific Communications Specialist position at Berkeley Lab?

The Berkeley Lab’s Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division is seeking a Science Communicator to help translate cutting-edge ALS research into compelling stories that highlight its impact on science and society. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role will craft engaging content that showcases ALS achievements, supports its mission, and strengthens stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities include writing science highlights, promoting ALS capabilities, and maintaining its reputation as a leading research facility. The role also supports press releases, outreach efforts, user recruitment, and the ALS Upgrade project, keeping audiences informed on facility updates and progress.

If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract over 1,500 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do :

Writing and Editorial Duties

Collaborate with scientists to create engaging content that highlights ALS synchrotron research.
Write and edit a variety of materials, including articles, press releases, funding proposals, science highlights, and web content, aligning with ALS strategic communication goals.
Build relationships with ALS staff to identify research achievements for external outreach.
Work with cross-lab teams to amplify ALS research in external news outlets.
Synthesize scientific data from various sources into key documents for broader audiences, including the Department of Energy.
Provide comprehensive copyediting and proofreading of complex documents with careful attention to grammar, syntax, formatting and readability.

Design Duties

Develop and oversee creation of multimedia materials for scientific and promotional purposes, including presentations, infographics, data visualizations, and digital assets.

Collaborate with visual media specialists (designers, photographers, and videographers) to produce compelling research storytelling content.

Manage the design and production of print collateral, including brochures, technical documents, and research highlights.

Maintain consistent design standards across all ALS communications platforms, ensuring alignment with institutional branding.

Web Content & Social Media Duties

Publish web articles on scientific and operational achievements.

Manage web content and updates for ALS landing pages.

Develop content and assets highlighting ALS science and activities that amplifies our reach across social media platforms.

Create digital content and graphics for communicating with ALS users, including research.

Content Planning & Administration Duties

Collaborate with the Director of Communications to develop editorial guidelines for consistent, high-quality publications.

Advise ALS management on presentations for external audiences and assist in preparing strategic documents.

Use data-driven metrics and evaluative insights to assess and refine approaches to maximize engagement and impact.

What is Required :

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, Marketing, English, Sciences, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum 8 years of experience in technical and non-technical writing / editing, with a focus on science / technology communication for diverse audiences or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated expertise in translating complex science concepts into engaging content across multiple platforms (press releases, web, social media, etc.), with strong knowledge of science communication best practices and tools for technical and non-technical audiences.

Professional editing and writing skills, including experience with editorial calendars, copyediting procedures, and fact-checking in scientific or technical environments.

Proven track record of managing cross-functional communications projects independently, including ability to meet deadlines under pressure and balance scientific accuracy with strategic goals.

Experience with content creation tools, including writing / editing software and digital and social media platforms.

Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with experience for effectively working with scientists, technical, and administrative teams.

Desired Qualifications :

Familiarity with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Department Of Energy, University of California missions, operations, programs, policies, and relevant public policy issues.

Experience with media editing software.

Required Application Materials (PDF Format Preferred) :

CV / Resume

Portfolio or writing samples will be requested upon interview

Notes :

This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

This position is expected to pay $106,560.00 - $133,200.00, which fits within the full salary range of $106,560.00 - $179,820.00 for the C10.3. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit : careers.lbl.gov

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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Salary : $106,560 - $179,820

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