Science Communication Coordinator (m/f/d)

The research group of Prof. Dr. Manja Marz at the Institute of Computer Sciences seeks a highly organized and creative person to join our dynamic team as a science communication coordinator (m/f/d). The position is situated at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, a dynamic and innovation-driven university with a broad range of disciplines, and in the young and lively town Jena – the City of Science.

You will play a significant role in managing the scientific communication of the ambitious Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution, which aims to make cutting-edge virus research accessible, engaging, and trustworthy for diverse audiences. This includes coordinating and developing communication formats such as a German-language blog, a monthly podcast, and social media channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky), as well as supporting outreach events and public engagement activities. Working closely with interdisciplinary researchers and other project coordinators, you will translate complex topics in virology, bioinformatics, and photonics into clear and compelling content. If you have a passion for science, excellent communication skills, and experience in outreach or event coordination, we invite you to apply and contribute to strengthen public understanding of science and foster engagement in an impactful way.

Your responsibilities:

• Writing and editorial coordination of blog articles in collaboration with CRC researchers, including the translation of complex topics in virology, bioinformatics, and photonics into accessible content for diverse audiences
• Preparation, coordination, and production of podcast episodes, including interviews with researchers and the development of engaging, informative formats
• Content creation and management of social media channels (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky), including the development of interactive and multimedia formats to promote outreach activities and address public misconceptions
• Coordination and implementation of general science communication activities, including website and newsletter content, press releases, public events (e.g., Long Night of Science), school outreach, and collaboration with early-career researchers
• Monitoring, documentation, and evaluation of all science communication measures using quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess reach, engagement, and impact

Your profile:

• Degree in communication science, public relations, or a related field with strong experience in communicating or working with natural science topics, OR M.Sc. or Ph.D. in a natural science (such as bioinformatics, virology, photonics, or related field) with demonstrated experience in science communication
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English
• Highly organized, proactive, and independent working style with strong teamwork skills
• Experience in editing and publishing content for blog articles, press releases, newsletters, websites, social media channels, or podcasts, including proficiency with content management systems and social media platforms is an advantage
• Experience in graphic design, including the creation of visuals, logos, and layouts for various media, with proficiency in relevant design software is considered a strong plus

We offer:

• Exciting and varied fields of activity with creative freedom
• Embedding in a cross-disciplinary, international, young research group and a large, ambitious research consortium with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation
• Individual qualification and development measures
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 – depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications –, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement

The position is expected to commence in September or October 2026. It is a part-time position (50%, 20 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position until 30 June 2030. A combination with other advertised part-time positions could be considered where feasible.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed written application, by email as one PDF file, stating “Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line, to:

Prof. Dr. Manja Marz
RNA Bioinformatics & High-Throughput Analysis
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Inselplatz 5
07743 Jena, Germany

E-Mail: rna@uni-jena.de