Hello all
I contributed a tailored version of the below to another thread but thought it might be more widely applicable - if you happen to be looking for a job in science communication that is!
There are knowledgeable people here who might suggest where interested readers could find out about jobs in their own sector, let's start a collection :)
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
- translating scientific / technical / medical information into plain English for non-specialist audiences, giving context. Examples might include museum explainers, science journalism, PR, TV, writing public information sheets for a health charity, creating infographics, giving talks in schools.
Allied to this is the phrase PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT (WITH SCIENCE) which can be used to mean all of the above, but also more specifically can refer to involving the public in research, often as active contributors to developing ideas, though can be focus groups too, or as participants in research trials. Getting input and sharing ideas before you go off and do research or create a new product.
Types of Science Communication jobs - a list
scicommjobs.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/types-of-science-communication-jobs-a-list/
Types of places that employ science communicators
It's a hugely popular area so there's a lot of competition but also a lot of jobs in museums and science centres, medical charities, gov't (policy), universities (both as public engagement professionals and as researchers who also communicate / engage), media (TV, news, blogs & vlogs, magazines), learned societies. Pharma tends to be more scientific communication (researchers / industry) but they do employ people to write the patient information leaflets whic is #SciComm. People can also be freelance journalists, media trainers, content writers for organisations etc.
Types of roles
Writing, editing, podcasting, videos, graphics / infographics - general content stuff, including social media, giving talks, training researchers.
Eg medical research charities employ science communicators to explain and give context to medical research news (telling stories about it, fundraising, simply explaining the concepts involved, helping people understand their condition) - typical jobs might be in a press team or publications team. Larger charities who fund research will also employ people to manage the funding - eg finding academic reviewers for grant applications and seeing the applicants through the funding process.
Qualifications
Interest / enthusiasm for science, able to explain concepts. Degree in science can helpful, still listed as essential for some jobs (though I might argue that). PhD can certainly be a bonus but I don't have one. Plenty of on the job learning but sadly there are relatively few entry-level jobs. Experience can be gained by creating content on a blog / YouTube channel though, doesn't have to be in employment.
Places that regularly advertise jobs in science communication