Scientific Digital and Visual Specialist

About the Role

The Scientific Digital and Visual Specialist will elevate the visibility and impact of Meharry's research enterprise by integrating scientific storytelling, grant writing, visual design, and digital strategy. This role translates complex research into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences, ensuring institutional research is visually engaging, strategically distributed, and optimized for digital performance. The specialist will contribute to Meharry’s research enterprise through non-scholastic dissemination of research and innovation outputs.

Responsibilities

• Scientific Visual Storytelling (40%):
  • Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging visual formats.
  • Design high-quality materials including infographics, graphical abstracts, social media visuals, executive-level presentations, booklets, flyers, and academic magazines.
  • Utilize design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, or equivalent platforms.
  • Enhance scientific narratives through visual clarity and storytelling.
• Digital Content Strategy & Distribution (30%):
  • Execute a strategic content distribution plan aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Ensure consistent and timely publishing within a structured content pipeline.
  • Leverage digital tools such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar platforms for scheduling and distribution.
  • Utilize tools such as Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, and SEO platforms (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs).
  • Develop and maintain a content performance dashboard.
  • Optimize content for visibility and discoverability (SEO and platform best practices).
  • Ensure research content is easy to find, clearly presented, and reaches the right audiences across digital platforms.
• Brand & Quality Assurance (20%):
  • Ensure all visual and digital outputs align with institutional brand standards and narrative themes.
  • Maintain a high level of design quality and consistency across platforms.
  • Collaborate with communications and research teams to ensure accuracy and alignment.
  • Pursue training and development relevant to responsibilities.
• Other Duties (10%):
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD or advanced degree in scientific communications, biomedical sciences, health-related science field, communications, journalism, English, or closely related field, or compelling equivalent of experience or training.
• Experience in developing and maintaining online resources and tools.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of writing fundamentals, including grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Excellent skills in writing clear, engaging, and persuasive text appropriate to target audiences, while ensuring adherence to sponsor's guidelines.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with digital tools like Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, and SEO platforms (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs).
• Familiarity with federal research agencies, especially NIH, and federal policies pertinent to federal grants and proposals.
• Knowledge of the academic research environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage complex work assignments within demanding timeframes.
• Receptive to constructive criticism and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in common computer application programs (e.g., office software, spreadsheets, databases, web CMS).