Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Strategic Communications Specialist

Why Work at BNL?

Brookhaven National Laboratory is a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Located on the center of Long Island, New York, Brookhaven Lab brings premier facilities and expertise to the most exciting and meaningful questions in basic and applied science--from the birth of our universe to the sustainable energy technology of tomorrow. We operate state-of-the-art large-scale facilities for studies in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, applied science, and a wide range of advanced technologies. Brookhaven Lab employs nearly 3,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff, and engages more than 4,000 visiting researchers from around the world each year. Our award-winning history, including seven Nobel Prizes, stretches back to 1947, and we continue to unravel mysteries from the nanoscale to the cosmic scale. Brookhaven Science Associates, a nonprofit applied science and technology organization, operates Brookhaven Lab for the DOE.

Organizational Overview

The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven Lab is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility that offers users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of nearly 600 external facility users. Three strategic nanoscience themes guide facility development, reflect the technical expertise of the staff, and define a unique CFN identity: nanomaterial synthesis by assembly, accelerated nanomaterial discovery, and nanomaterials in operando conditions.

Position Description

The CFN is searching for an accomplished Strategic Communications Specialist. In this full-time role, you will be responsible for internal and external communication, outreach, and engagement efforts at the CFN. You will communicate and promote the science and mission of the CFN through various web-based, print, and other platforms. You will use your written and oral communication skills to develop and execute strategies to reach different audiences, including DOE program managers, CFN users from academia and industry, the broader nanoscience research community, media, and the general public. You will report to the CFN Assistant Director for Strategic Partnerships and work closely with the CFN leadership team.

Roles/Responsibilities

As the CFN Strategic Communications Specialist, you will have these roles and responsibilities:

• You will work closely with the Assistant Director for Strategic Partnerships and the CFN leadership team to identify high-impact strategic publications, staff and user science accomplishments, and other strategic content to communicate through research highlights, news releases, feature stories, brochures, social media, and websites;
• You will work closely with the CFN User Office and the Assistant Director for Strategic Partnerships to develop and distribute information to the user community, using the iCFN newsletter and other communications methods;
• You will coordinate communications for CFN-related events such as National Nanotechnology Day, strategic CFN seminars, the annual CFN open house at Brookhaven Lab Summer Sunday , and the annual department staff retreat;
• You will be the CFN liaison to the Brookhaven Media & Communications Office, producing CFN-related news releases and feature articles in coordination with the office manager and social media lead and collaborating with graphic arts, photography, and video to produce multimedia content;
• You will work closely with the CFN leadership team to promote an environment of safe-work practices.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge and Skills

You are qualified for this role if

• You have earned a bachelor's degree in journalism, science, or a related field;
• You have at least four years of experience in science or technical writing and a portfolio of published work spotlighting the scientific and/or technical accomplishments of others;
• You have experience selecting and prioritizing stories to create strategic communications targeting both technical and general audiences);
• You have worked with a team to design and/or maintain scientific or technical websites.
• You are committed to working safely and fostering an environment of safe-work practices.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

You are well-matched to this position if

• You have a graduate degree in journalism, science, or a related field;
• You have experience developing strategies for communication in support of successful research proposals, award nominations, and/or contest entries;
• You have experience and/or thoughtful ideas for developing, organizing, and prioritizing communication channels to increase engagement (e.g., internal and external web sites, newsletters, social media, in-person events);
• You have demonstrated the ability to cultivate relationships with a diverse community of scientific, technical, and administrative personnel at all organizational levels to successfully promote staff and user science;
• You are familiar with the mission of U.S. Department of Energy scientific user facilities and you can work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

At Brookhaven Lab, we believe comprehensive employee benefits are a meaningful part of employee compensation. Our benefits program includes

• Medical plans
• Vacation time
• Holidays
• Dental plans
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• On-site swimming pool, weight room, and tennis courts

We invite you to consider Brookhaven National Laboratory for employment. To be considered for this position, please apply online at Careers at Brookhaven and enter the job title into the keyword search.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring that you receive full consideration for employment. No one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Brookhaven National Laboratory takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.