Science Writer

~ Berkeley Lab addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. ~

Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. 

Berkeley Lab is Bringing Science Solutions to the World, and YOU can be a part of it!

In the world of science, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is synonymous with "excellence." That's why we hire the best - whether in research, science or operations. This is a great opportunity to bring your top-notch skills to bear in support of world-class scientific research that addresses national and global challenges!

Berkeley Lab understands the postdoctoral experience in a research environment is unique. We are committed to the growth and development of early career researchers in pursuit of becoming next generation scientists and engineers.

Work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.  Check out our website to read about the excellent postdoctoral benefits at Berkeley Lab. 

Position Overview

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Technologies Area (ETA) is looking for a Science Writer to join the Marketing and Communications Team! 

In this role, you will communicate comprehensive and highly technical scientific information to a wide variety of audiences. Reporting to the Marketing and Communications Manager, you will produce scientific news and feature articles, science-related website content, technical videos and animations, social media and our employee Intranet. 

ETA focuses on building technology and urban systems; batteries and energy storage; energy analysis; indoor air quality; solar and wind; the electricity grid; transportation; water technologies and sustainability. 

Note: This is a full time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year, Term appointment with the possibility of extension up to a total of 5 years or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. 

Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

• Create comprehensive and compelling news, in feature and other articles about complex scientific or institutional topics, in a clear, concise and storytelling way. 
• Manage content on the ETA Intranet, our internal communications hub. 
• Interact with high-level internal and external contacts to produce varied content to be used in a variety of ways for release to important decision-makers, funding agencies, government legislators and the public. 
• Apply in-depth knowledge of website content management systems (Drupal, WordPress) and web layout tools to ensure content meets quality, budget and schedule requirements. 
• Work with teams to produce new websites, video and animation scripts, newsletters, brochures, one-pagers and other media designed to communicate our research advances to a broad audience. 
• Collaborate closely with researchers, project groups, divisions, or departments on projects including assessing incremental input and multiple manuscript iterations and developing communication styles for technical and possibly sensitive material. 
• Coordinate high level internal and external projects. 
• Solicit information from multiple sources to write and edit high profile documents. 
• Direct, coordinate, and manage media projects, often with a team of editors, designers, animators, web developers, and/or printers. 

Qualifications

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Science, Science Writing or a related technical field and a minimum of 8 years of related experience in technical and non-technical writing, editing, layout, and production or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrated experience with Drupal and/or WordPress website content management systems with the ability to learn online ticketing and project management systems used to track work. 
• Experience with online newsletter applications. 
• Experience with social media including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube. 
• Demonstrated experience communicating - verbally and in writing - scientific technical and nontechnical information to diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrated experience creating eye-catching and professional presentation materials. 
• Familiarity with AP Style with the ability to adapt to ETA and Berkeley Lab style guidelines. 
• Superior working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Applications, and Adobe tools. 
• Working knowledge of image preparation software (e.g. Preview, Photoshop). 
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to interact with high-level internal and external contacts to establish working relationships needed to produce publications. 

What We Desire:

• Experience directing the work of other writers, editors, or assistants. 
• Experience in public and media relations. 
• Experience in publications management. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. 

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email the following requested application materials:

• Cover Letter 
• Resume 
• 3 writing samples 
• Link to an online portfolio 

Note: This position may be 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.  

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law." 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.