Senior HPC Communications Specialist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

10d • $134,664 - $164,604 • Hybrid

About The Position

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 develops and implements communications strategy and produces scientifically accurate, engaging content that showcases NERSC’s scientific and operational impact to the broader research community. It includes coordinating the communications team, managing social media, supporting media relations and outreach, and producing photography and video.

The position is a full-time, career appointment exempt from overtime pay. It requires substantial on-site presence, with flexible work mode and hybrid schedules potentially available. Hybrid employees must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab; in rare cases, full-time telework or remote work may be considered. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is unavailable. The role is subject to a background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field, or in a scientific or engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight 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 multimedia 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 prioritizing multiple assignments, coordinating reviews, and meeting competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with 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 working relationships with diverse 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 to support iteration and streamlined editorial processes with 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.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Berkeley Lab, DOE, and UC missions, organization, operations, programs, policies, and relevant public policy issues.
• Experience with media editing software such as Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Accrued vacation and sick time.
• Annual Winter Holiday Shutdown.
• Parental bonding leave for mothers and fathers.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior