Head of Communications

EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff Member
Contract Duration: 5 years
Grading: Commensurate on qualifications and experience
Closing Date: 6 September 2015
Reference Number: HD_00711

EMBL is looking for a Head of Communications to steer its international press, publications and public engagement, as well as its internal communication activities from its headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, outgoing and personable leader to head our communications activities, which aim to explain, promote and advocate the work of EMBL, a world leader in molecular biology research and service delivery, to a diverse global audience. As Head of Communications, you will lend your vision, creativity and expertise to developing and implementing a strategy to raise the profile of EMBL. Leading by example, you will work in a collaborative manner, bringing out the best from the team and the Laboratory.

About EMBL

EMBL is Europe’s flagship laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 80 independent research groups covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across five sites, near Heidelberg, Hamburg, Grenoble, Rome and Cambridge. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

About EMBL Communications

Leading a group of 14 that comprises writers, designers, web producers and communicators, you would be working in a friendly, close-knit and supportive team with ties to scientists and engineers throughout the organisation.

Our team strives to convey the excitement, energy and excellence of EMBL in the press, in outreach activities and in person. One of the most important aspects of our work is helping EMBL scientists connect with people on many levels, conveying complex, fascinating insights in an accessible and engaging way to people from all walks of life.

We are an experienced, flexible, international and happy team, with collaborations throughout the organisation. We are committed to communicating the diverse and novel work produced at EMBL’s five sites and beyond, engaging people both within and outside of our organisation.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have substantial experience working in and managing science communications for an international organisation with activities on many sites.

You will be an outgoing person with a high level of personal integrity who can establish good working relationships with different departments within the organisation as well as with outside partners and suppliers.

You can communicate strategic thinking clearly, and bring out the best in people to deliver excellent, joined-up communications activities that reflect the excellence of EMBL. Importantly, you are a hands-on communications practitioner, able and willing to actively support the team’s work as well as shape its strategic direction.

You are fluent in English and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Understanding of German and French, Italian, Spanish or any other European language would be an asset.

We would like you to have experience of:

• Branding, corporate messaging and positioning, reputation management, and crisis communication;
• Digital content strategy;
• Press campaigns, and working knowledge of social media;
• Leading and directing innovative print and digital communications;
• Delivering and managing the delivery of public events;
• Mentoring people in your team;
• Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with other departments, external stakeholders and contractors;
• Acting as a public spokesperson.

Ideally, we would also like you to have:

• An understanding of the complexities of funding in research;
• An inherent ability to navigate complex political situations;
• An existing network of media connections in Europe.

Education and certification

This job requires that you have completed a master’s degree, preferably with a focus on science. EMBL is an international organisation, and we recognise that academic degrees and certifications vary between countries.

In your application, be sure to include any awards and professional certifications you may have received during your career.

Working at EMBL

Working for EMBL gives you an opportunity to apply your skills and energy for the greater good. If you’ve ever visited our campuses you’ll have experienced first-hand our friendly and collegial atmosphere. If you’ve worked with us, you’ll know we set the bar high and support one another in delivering excellent research that addresses major challenges in healthcare, agriculture and the environment.

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. Competitive salary, a relaxed culture, on-going professional development, an on-site nursery, canteen and library all make EMBL a great place to work. Our mission has us exploring life at all levels, and creating new ways to look at the world. Our reputation is built on scientific excellence and collaboration, and the projects we take on require all kinds of people and working styles, from big-picture creatives to patient detail-seekers.

EMBL is a non-profit, intergovernmental organisation funded by 21 member states and two associate member states.

What’s it like to work at EMBL? Hear what some of our staff have to say on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Ny9Tr2uaY.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs.

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.