University of Toronto

Research & Communications Officer

University of Toronto$86K — $110K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in science or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum five years in scientific research communications or public relations.
  • Proven experience in crafting and implementing communications strategies.
  • Skilled in translating complex science into accessible content across various platforms.
  • Experience designing and managing digital communications and social media campaigns.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing research communication and writing skills.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and marketing software.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement communication and marketing plans aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Produce a variety of content, including stories, key messages, and promotional materials.
  • Research and propose story ideas that reflect institutional priorities.
  • Pitch stories and coordinate materials to boost engagement.
  • Create outreach materials like brochures and newsletters.
  • Conduct interviews to gather insights and ensure content adheres to brand standards.
  • Coordinate funding applications and write/edit proposals to secure research funding.
  • Plan and execute events and workshops that align with strategic goals.

Benefits

  • Access to a state-of-the-art research environment and resources.
  • Opportunities for professional development in a collaborative atmosphere.
  • Engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders in the scientific community.
  • Potential for involvement in impactful research and outreach programs.
Full Job Description
Date Posted: 07/03/2026
Req ID: 49180
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Donnelly Centre
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number:
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Your opportunity:

Within Temerty Medicine, the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research is an interdisciplinary research institute where scientists make fundamental discoveries in biology to improve health. The centre houses 35 research labs and over 400 researchers. Our faculty, staff, and trainees apply cutting-edge tools in genome research, regenerative medicine, engineering, microfluidics, and computational biology, ultimately to gain new insights about how the human body works. Founded in 2005, the Donnelly Centre is globally recognized as a leading biomedical research hub thanks to landmark discoveries in genetics, stem cells, and the molecular basis of disease, as well as state-of-the-art tools in the analysis of large-scale datasets.

As Research & Communications Officer, you will deliver world class communications content that effectively promotes the Centre's impact to a diverse range of stakeholders. Working closely with the Director, Research Operations and Strategy you will shape and execute strategies that advance the Donnelly Centre's research and education mission, while effectively supporting its research and initiatives. In addition to translating complex science into compelling stories, you will contribute to grant and proposal development, plan workshops and events, develop Youth Science Outreach programming, and disseminate information about research funding programs and opportunities to the broader research community. Your stewardship of our web and social media platforms, as well as your ability to create engaging written and visual content, will foster trusted relationships and produce impactful material that advances the Centre's goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Developing and implementing communication, marketing, and digital media plans that support strategic objectives, including social media procedures and best practices
  • Writing, editing, and producing a range of content, including copy, news and feature stories, key messages, speeches, and materials for marketing and promotions
  • Researching, developing, and recommending story ideas that advance institutional priorities and initiatives
  • Pitching strategically valuable stories and coordinating outreach materials to enhance visibility and engagement
  • Producing and editing promotional, outreach, and informational materials such as brochures, newsletters, websites, handbooks, and external publications
  • Conducting interviews with leaders, faculty, staff, and students, ensuring all content aligns with brand identity guidelines
  • Supporting funding and research-related activities by coordinating application processes and writing/editing proposal content, while staying informed on funding opportunities and deadlines
  • Conceptualizing, planning, and executing events, workshops, and programming that support strategic initiatives


Essential Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in science or in a related field or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
  • Minimum five years' experience in scientific research communications, public relations, or media
  • Experience developing and implementing communications strategies and plans
  • Demonstrated experience translating scientific material and writing content, developing themes, and maintaining consistent brand identity for multiple audiences and platforms, including print, online (including digital websites), and social media platforms
  • Experience designing and deploying digital materials (such as newsletters, social media and web content), working with digital metrics, and maintaining and updating websites
  • Experience managing social media platforms including building active engagement, expanding reach, and using analytics and strategy to report on social media effectiveness
  • Experience planning and executing outreach strategies, workshops, and events
  • Experience working with a variety of stakeholders writing clear case for support material and generating targeted research proposals, funding applications, and submission materials
  • Experience building and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, marketing and communications software (Enovoke, Mailchimp), Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere/Rush), and social media
  • Strong research, writing, proofreading and journalistic skills with a strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling
  • Ability to assimilate, interpret, translate, and distill scientific research from primary sources into captivating, engaging and enlightening communications for a variety of audiences
  • Analytical and problem-solving ability. Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines
  • Superior fact-checking, and proofreading skills with a strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate and compelling
  • Proven organizational skills, ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities, manage multiple projects concurrently, and complete work in required time frames
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial work environment


Assets (Nonessential):

  • Master's Degree in a scientific field


To be successful in this role you will be:

  • Accountable
  • Articulate
  • Communicator
  • Organized
  • Team Player


Closing Date: 07/20/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $86,340. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $110,415. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
Recruiter: Callum Ferguson

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.

About University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest university in Canada by enrollment and one of the top-ranked universities in the world. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and business. The University of Toronto is known for its research excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including four Nobel laureates. The university was founded in 1827 and has three campuses in the Toronto area.
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