Science Content Manager

About Arc Institute

The Arc Institute is a new scientific institution conducting curiosity-driven basic science and technology development to understand and treat complex human diseases. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Arc is an independent research organization founded on the belief that many important research programs will be enabled by new institutional models. Arc operates in partnership with Stanford University, UCSF, and UC Berkeley.

While the prevailing university research model has yielded many tremendous successes, we believe in the importance of institutional experimentation as a way to make progress. These include:

• Funding: Arc will fully fund Core Investigators’ (PIs’) research groups, liberating scientists from the typical constraints of project-based external grants.
• Technology: Biomedical research has become increasingly dependent on complex tooling. Arc Technology Centers develop, optimize and deploy rapidly advancing experimental and computational technologies in collaboration with Core Investigators.
• Support: Arc aims to provide first-class support—operationally, financially and scientifically—that will enable scientists to pursue long-term high risk, high reward research that can meaningfully advance progress in disease cures, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and immune dysfunction.
• Culture: We believe that culture matters enormously in science and that excellence is difficult to sustain. We aim to create a culture that is focused on scientific curiosity, a deep commitment to truth, broad ambition, and selfless collaboration.

Arc scaled to nearly 100 people in its first year. With $650M+ in committed funding and a state of the art new lab facility in Palo Alto, Arc will continue to grow quickly to several hundred in the coming years.

About the position

We’re seeking a dynamic Science Content Manager with extensive scientific knowledge of our research focus areas who can develop and steer our scientific content strategy. This multifaceted position will be responsible for crafting compelling scientific blogs, enhancing our website content, and devising social media strategies that resonate with our diverse audience. Additionally, this role will synthesize complex scientific data into informative whitepapers, contributing to the depth and reach of our thought leadership. Exceptional writing skills are essential, along with the capacity to communicate intricate scientific concepts in a way that captivates and educates different audiences. A successful Science Content Manager will be proactive and collaborative, possessing a positive attitude and a zeal for innovating how science is communicated. This position reports to the Institute’s Head of Brand & Communications.

About you

• You balance a unique blend of scientific expertise and content management, leveraging your background in science while immersing yourself in the nuances of science communication and content strategy.
• Energized by working alongside researchers, you bring a client-service approach that empowers scientists to share their discoveries effectively.
• Comfortable forging relationships across a diverse network, you find fulfillment in tailoring your approach to connect with each individual effectively.
• As a Science Content Manager, your role is integral in transforming complex scientific concepts into engaging accessible content.
• Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you’re adept at responding quickly to emerging scientific news and developments, seamlessly integrating this information into your content strategy.
• Your adaptability to new scientific trends and demands ensures that the material remains current and impactful within a rapidly evolving scientific landscape

In this position, you will

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Institute’s research activities and focus areas.
• Collaborate closely with Institute scientists to develop strategies for effectively communicating key scientific discoveries.
• Contribute to the strategic development of scientific content, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s objectives and the broader scientific context.
• Determine the optimal content formats and channels for different types of scientific information.
• Manage the Institute’s overall social media presence.
• Write and develop blog posts, press releases, social media content, newsletter articles and other content related to the science happening at the Institute.
• Select and manage relationships with external content creation and dissemination partners.
• Design and implement a content dissemination strategy that targets varied scientific and lay audiences.
• Collaborate with communications and outreach teams at partner institutions - Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCSF - to ensure coordinated and impactful scientific communication.
• Educate Institute scientists on effective science communication practices.
• Present on science communication initiatives and strategies to Institute leadership and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the broader content strategy and communications activities of the Institute.

Job Requirements

• Ability to work hybrid on-site in Palo Alto.
• A bachelor’s or advanced degree in a life sciences field such as biology, chemistry, or a closely related discipline, or in a related field like scientific journalism or science communication.
• 10+ years of experience in science communication, content management, or a related field, ideally within a research or academic setting.
• Proven experience in scientific writing, editing, and content management, preferably in a research or academic setting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an exceptional ability to simplify complex scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Extensive knowledge of media relations strategies and experience in working with media outlets.
• Experience managing, curating, and creating content for social media channels.
• Proficiency in multimedia content creation and dissemination, including videos, infographics, and podcasts.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated passion for science communication and public engagement
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to proactively identify and effectively communicate complex scientific topics to diverse audiences.
• Experience in developing and implementing content strategies that effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.

The base salary range for this position is $137,600 to $170,000. These amounts reflect the range of base salary that the Institute reasonably would expect to pay a new hire or internal candidate for this position. The actual base compensation paid to any individual for this position may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and whether the compensation is internally equitable, and does not include bonuses, commissions, differential pay, other forms of compensation, or benefits. This position is also eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus, with the amount dependent on individual and institute performance factors.