HudsonAlpha - Science Communications Specialist

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology•Huntsville, AL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is seeking a Science Communications Specialist to translate complex research, education initiatives, and biotech innovation into high-impact storytelling for various audiences across multiple platforms. This role is ideal for a strong writer who enjoys interviewing subject-matter experts, can quickly develop scientific fluency, and collaborates with creatives to bring stories to life. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position serves as an editorial partner to execute the Institute's storytelling strategy and drive cross-departmental impact. The coverage portfolio will span Human Health & Medical Genomics, Sustainable Agriculture & Plant Genomics, Educational Impact & Human-Interest Profiles, and Economic Development & Campus Innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a biological/life science field (Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, etc.) OR in Journalism, Communications, or English with a proven portfolio of writing about complex scientific or technical topics.
3+ years of experience in science communication, science writing, public relations, or technical writing, ideally within an academic research institute, non-profit, or healthcare/biotech environment.
Ability to rapidly grasp complex biological, genomic, and agricultural/biotech concepts and translate them for non-expert stakeholders without sacrificing accuracy.
Proven excellence across multiple storytelling formats-from long-form human-interest features to tight social media copy, donor pieces, and conversational video/podcast scripts.
Strong copy-editing skills and a meticulous eye for detail, tone, and brand consistency.
Highly diplomatic and empathetic interviewer, comfortable building trust with faculty scientists, executive leadership, research participants, and community stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage multi-step editorial workflows, balance competing deadlines, and coordinate deliverables across internal and external teams.
Poise, maturity, and tact in handling sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information.
Fluent with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, web content management systems (e.g., WordPress), and web/media analytics platforms (e.g., GA4, Muck Rack).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with basic digital accessibility and SEO best practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

Identify story angles in collaboration with researchers, educators, and Institute leadership; conduct background research and empathetic interviews with subject-matter experts, program participants, and donors to capture authentic human-interest narratives.
Write and edit clear, engaging content across multiple formats, including feature stories, research explainers, donor impact stories, case-for-support materials, participant profiles, executive speeches/talking points, and digital newsletters.
Build strong working relationships with faculty members to stay abreast of ongoing research and newsworthy publications.
Partner closely with the Advancement/Development team to support fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship through impactful storytelling.
Collaborate with the Director on high-level institutional features and major research announcements.
Maintain and drive an editorial calendar aligned to Institute priorities and key moments (publications, events, campaigns, program milestones).
Adapt core narratives for diverse distribution channels (web, email, social media, print) while preserving scientific accuracy, audience relevance, and brand voice.
Brainstorm and pitch compelling social media angles for institutional news, research discoveries, and impact stories; partner with the social media specialist/freelancer to translate written features into channel-ready concepts.
Serve as an editorial resource for external creative partners (social media contractors, videographers, graphic designers)-providing clear creative briefs, scientifically accurate copy, and narrative direction to ensure visual assets are on-brand.
Conceptualize and script short-form video or audio content (e.g., video clips, podcast segments, digital explainers), providing the scientific hooks and story arcs that bring multimedia projects to life.
Track performance metrics (engagement, click-through, time on page, conversions where applicable) across content touchpoints and recommend data-informed adjustments to refine overall strategy.