Requisition Id 10556

This position is located on-site at our facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an experienced science writer and communications specialist to support the implementation of a strategic communications approach that conveys the value of ORNL research and facilities in addressing critical energy, environmental, and national security challenges. The position resides in ORNL’s Communications Division and is matrixed to the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD), whose diverse research delivers foundational knowledge needed for the discovery, design, synthesis, and fabrication of next-generation materials and processes to meet global needs and to understand the characteristics and interactions of fundamental particles.

PSD stewards ORNL’s identity as a world-leading materials laboratory and essential partner in the Department of Energy’s pursuit of discovery science and translational research, delivering the fundamental scientific and technological underpinnings that drive development and deployment of scalable, energy-efficient technologies for a sustainable and secure energy future. Our team of researchers collectively publishes nearly 1,000 scientific journal articles each year, with more than 40% of these articles securing publication in high-impact journals.

The ideal candidate will bring passion, experience, and scientific knowledge to the task of working with the scientists of PSD, helping tell the story of their critical research to diverse stakeholders including scientific peers, sponsors, staff, and the public.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Understand and communicate about complex scientific and technical topics (e.g., research in the areas of decarbonization, materials science, critical minerals, microelectronics, and quantum science), organizing and analyzing information from various technical sources, including review of published scientific papers, to produce written materials in concise and approachable language without loss of technical meaning.
• Write feature articles, science highlights, news releases, website and newsletter content, internal communications products, stakeholder briefings, and other materials that align with communications strategic plans while clearly and effectively communicating research findings, technical developments, and key programmatic messages.
• Work with senior scientists, subject matter experts, and managers to produce timely, interesting, and compelling content that conveys the importance and excitement of the work at ORNL. Interact with scientific staff to identify and track upcoming results and accomplishments.
• Collaborate with technical editors to ensure adherence to grammar and style guidelines.
• Assist in growing PSD’s social media presence by developing content, planning campaigns, and identifying new ways for leveraging social media to establish PSD as world-leading in chemistry, physics, and materials science.
• Collaborate with the PSD communications coordinator and other team members as well as Communications Division and Creative Services staff members to provide PSD with needed support and required products and to elevate the multidisciplinary, team nature of ORNL scientific research and the unique translation capabilities of PSD in accelerating the timeline from basic discovery to application.
• Suggest visual material in support of scientific and promotional information needs; work with graphic designers, photographers, and videographers to develop attractive and high-impact visual products.
• Work with external media, including science and trade publications, to secure coverage of PSD science.
• Assist in communications activities to recruit and retain a motivated, talented workforce.
• Contribute to ORNL’s strong legacy of outreach and community service.
• 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 bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, a science, or other 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.
• Technical training or a background in science is preferred.
• The successful candidate should have excellent scientific/technical reading, writing, and editing skills and will be expected to provide writing samples.
• Demonstrated ability to work with scientists and engineers to build expertise and rapport is necessary.
• The candidate should be able to manage communications projects from concept to completion in collaboration with other team members; and develop content for multiple platforms and audiences that aligns with existing communications strategic objectives.
• The successful candidate should have excellent attention to detail; the ability to understand, follow, and implement complex instructions; strong organizational skills; 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.

Relocation: Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.