The climate needs bright minds. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. It is one of the world's leading research insti­tutions in its field and offers natural and social scientists from around the world an inspiring environment for excellent inter­disciplinary research.

In the Research Department Earth System Analysis, we are offering an exciting opportunity to be part of the new Planetary Boundaries Science Initiative (PBScience). We are offering a

Science Communication position (m/f/d)

(Position number: 51-2024)

ideally starting on 01.11.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is initially funded until 30 June 2027. Extensions are envisaged but depend on new external funding. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Branden­burg), up to salary group E 13. This is a full-time position with a working time of 40 hours per week. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

Background:

PBScience is one of the leading global initiatives in advancing the scientific understanding of and promoting sustainability through the Planetary Boundary Framework. We are looking for a passionate and dynamic Science Communicator and Partnership Maintainer to effectively communicate our research, build strategic partnerships, and engage with diverse stakeholders.

For this position, professional and effective communication is key. Tasks include perfecting our project’s PR initiative, including improvements to the project website and extension of our social media presence, as well as planning, creating, and delivering digital study materials, such as online courses. Moreover, the position is in charge of both operational and strategic internal and external communication, as well as of in-person and digital relationship management with new and long-time partners.

Key responsibilities

• Work in a multidisciplinary team to advance public awareness and understanding of PBScience
• Translate complex scientific research and findings into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Development of scientific questions/hypotheses on the regulatory framework for compliance with the various planetary boundaries in Europe and internationally, e.g. CO2 border adjustment, CO2 pricing, fertiliser regulations, biodiversity protection, climate targets, technology regulation, and governance.
• Independently prepare and develop materials for online and offline teaching and learning formats, lectures, articles, and popular science analyses for varying levels of expertise.
• Develop and manage content for various communication channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Conduct literature research and media analyses with the aim of critically evaluating new experimental and theoretical methods and data and deriving new approaches and solutions for one's own work.
• Organize and conduct public outreach events, webinars, and presentations to promote scientific literacy and awareness of the Planetary Boundary Framework.
• Identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, governmental bodies, industry partners, and other relevant organizations.
• Coordinate collaborative projects and initiatives with partners in-and outside of PIK to advance mutual goals.
• Advise the project management on all aspects of science communication.
• Represent PBScience at conferences, meetings, and other networking events.
• Engage with various stakeholders to understand their needs and interests, and incorporate their feedback into communication strategies and partnership activities.
• Facilitate dialogues and consultations with stakeholders to promote informed decision-making and policy development.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree (e.g. Environmental Science, Communications, Journalism, Geography, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Sciences or a related field)
• Demonstrated experience of working in science communication, knowledge transfer, public outreach, or a related field for several years
• Full proficiency in spoken and written English, with further professional-level language skills being a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

We expect

• Proficiency in MS Office 
• Photography and videography, video and image editing, graphic design, and layouting skills are desirable
• International work experience (i.e. in countries other than Germany, or in a multi-national organisation) is a plus
• A quick learner, with a structured and goal-oriented approach and strong organizational skills
• A creative storyteller with great attention to detail, clarity, and accuracy
• High resilience, confident demeanour, high flexibility
• A highly motivated self-starter with strong team skills
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with scientists, data analysts, and policymakers
• Reliability, the ability to cope with the challenges of research environments
• Skills in instructional design and/or other didactic design approaches is desired
• Willingness to travel for work (project meetings, workshops etc.) and to take part in further training
• Scientific understanding of Planetary Boundaries Science is a plus

We offer

• the chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary and new team that produces regular updates on the planet’s health and aims at advancing the scientific landscape,
• establish and learn from an international network of re-owned partners and players including remote sensing and tech companies, people of public significance, and much more,
• to conduct ground-breaking research with state-of-the-art methods,
• to convey the most important messages of this century to society in a strongly meaningful job,
• a meaningful job with contribution to a project with real-world impact,
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin,
• flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours),
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job.

PIK values equality and diversity. We encourage applications without photo. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, care responsibilities, or age. PIK seeks to increase the share of women in scientific positions and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification and within the given legal scope, women will be given preference. PIK also encourages applications by parents returning from parental leave.

Please apply by 15.10.2024 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website. The application process remains open until the position is filled.

If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit the Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. In the case that you do not yet have a ZAB Statement of Comparability for your qualification, please be aware that you will need to request this if your application is successful. You can find further information on this website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For further information or to discuss the position, please contact Ms Clara Nicolai, email: Clara.Nicolai@pik-potsdam.de, Telephone+49 (0)331-288-2554.