Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a scientific/engineering field with 8 years of relevant experience.
Proven ability to simplify complex scientific concepts for educated audiences.
Experience in developing communications strategies for scientific or governmental organizations.
Skilled in using social media and multimedia technologies for science communication.
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Proficient in web publishing and digital communication tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Lead the external communications strategy for NERSC in collaboration with management.
Coordinate a team of communications specialists and a web content administrator.
Research and produce engaging science stories for a general audience.
Collaborate with researchers and institutions to ensure accurate messaging.
Create high-quality photography and video content.
Manage NERSC's social media presence and campaigns.
Monitor social media sentiment and analyze engagement metrics.
Benefits
Full-time career appointment with exempt status from overtime pay.
Flexible work options including hybrid schedules, depending on business needs.
Opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative research environment.
Access to professional development and mentorship opportunities.
Full Job Description
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's NERSC division is hiring a Senior HPC Communications Specialist to manage external communications, increase NERSC's visibility, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The role involves writing scientifically accurate, engaging articles, managing social media, and supporting media relations and outreach to showcase NERSC's scientific and operational impact to the broader research community.
You will:
Lead NERSC's external communications strategy in partnership with management.
Coordinate the NERSC communications team, including two communications specialists and a web content administrator.
Research, pitch, and produce engaging, high-quality science stories for general audiences.
Collaborate with researchers, DOE, partner institutions, vendors, and Lab communications teams to ensure accurate messaging and coordinated coverage.
Produce publication-quality photography and video.
Lead NERSC's social media presence through original content, campaigns, and strategic platform development.
Monitor social media sentiment, address reputational concerns, and analyze engagement metrics.
Manage communications projects from concept to publication, balancing competing priorities while upholding Lab policies and editorial standards.
Mentor NERSC communications team members and junior Lab communications staff.
Navigate complex communications challenges requiring in-depth analysis and sound professional judgment.
We are looking for:
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or a scientific or engineering field, and 8 years of experience in technical communications, science communications, institutional communications, government communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific or technical concepts into understandable prose for an educated audience
Experience developing and implementing communications strategies, especially for scientific, non-profit, or government organizations
Experience communicating science through social media and multi-media technologies
Experience interacting with high-level internal and external contacts to establish working relationships needed to produce publications for release
Demonstrated organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple assignments, coordinate reviews, and meet competing deadlines
Proficient with both print and electronic publishing technologies such as web publishing software, content management systems, and digital communications practices
Strong interpersonal communication, teamwork, collaboration and client service skills, with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse group of colleagues
Knowledge of contemporary science communications tools, tactics, and best practices for technical audiences, including familiarity with common writing, editing, web publishing, and social media platforms such as Google Suite, LinkedIn, Meta, and Bluesky
Strong organizational skills, fact-checking abilities, editorial judgment, and attention to detail
Professional presence and highly effective interpersonal skills that allow for iteration and streamlined editorial processes with multiple stakeholders, such as a community of scientists, and technical, and administrative staff
Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different platforms and audiences
Ability to use multiplatform social media tools such as Sprout Social or HootSuite
Knowledge of communications and public affairs fundamentals and industry practices
Desired skills/knowledge:
Familiarity with Berkeley Lab, DOE, and UC mission, organization, operations, programs, policies, and relevant public policy issues
Experience with media editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva)
Additional information:
Application date:Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 14, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
Appointment type:This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
Salary range:The expected salary for this position is $134,664 - $164,604, which fits into the full salary of $119,712 - $202,020 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
Background check: This position is 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.
Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
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