Scientific Content Associate Director

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is a nonprofit biomedical research institution driving discoveries that improve human health. Join us to shape the future of research communication.

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative Scientific Content Associate Director to lead the development of compelling scientific narratives. In this highly visible role, you will work alongside leading scientists, institutional leaders, and cross-functional teams to translate complex research into engaging content that advances JAX's mission and amplifies our impact. You will also lead and mentor a talented team of scientific writers while influencing the institution's content strategy and editorial direction.

You will serve as a critical bridge between JAX's research enterprise and external audiences, ensuring that our scientific leadership, innovation, and discoveries are communicated with clarity, accuracy, and purpose.

Responsibilities

• Partner with scientists and research leaders to uncover and communicate groundbreaking discoveries.
• Transform complex scientific concepts into compelling, audience-focused content.
• Develop strategic messaging that supports philanthropy, research, education, partnerships, and institutional priorities.
• Identify opportunities to elevate JAX's thought leadership and scientific reputation.
• Lead JAX's scientific content strategy, editorial priorities, and content governance.
• Collaborate with leaders across External Affairs, Advancement, Marketing, Media Relations, and Strategic Partnerships.
• Guide editorial planning and content prioritization to maximize impact.
• Create and oversee content including:
  • Scientific and disease-area summaries
  • Donor proposals and stewardship materials
  • Corporate partnership presentations and pitch decks
  • Executive presentations and talking points
  • Website and digital content
  • Thought leadership articles and blogs
  • Social media content
  • Video scripts and multimedia storytelling
  • Media background materials and messaging frameworks
  • Strategic internal and external communications
• Coach, mentor, and develop a team of scientific writers.
• Foster excellence in scientific communication, storytelling, and editorial quality.
• Establish best practices and scalable content development processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, life sciences, communications, or a related field. Ph.D. a plus.
• 6+ years of experience creating scientific, technical, or research-focused content with experience writing for donor, partner, policymaker, and other audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex science into clear, engaging, and accurate content.
• Experience partnering directly with scientists, faculty, and research leaders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience in biomedical research, healthcare, life sciences, academic medicine, or a mission-driven research organization preferred.

Pay

Pay Range: $113,718 - $190,388, based on experience, internal equity, and regional pay scales.

About JAX

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan, and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools, and services to the global biomedical community.