Science Communication and Grants Coordinator

As Science Communication and Grants Coordinator you employ your science enthusiasm and writing skills to support the strategic communications and outreach activities of VIB and the Center for Structural Biology, and to contribute in the preparation, follow-up and reporting of large-scale science funding projects in the Center. You form the liaison between the VIB HQ Communications team and the Center.  

Key tasks & responsibilities

1. Communications support within the Center

You are responsible for developing and executing an international strategic communication plan to position the Center as a leader in their field, aligned with the VIB overall communications strategy. You are also responsible for the Center’s internal communications and contribute to building the VIB and Center community.

• Liaising with the Center’s scientists on their latest scientific findings or achievements, as well as liaising with the different communities in the Center, and feeding this into high-quality content for international audiences.
• Generating high-quality written and visual content for the Center’s website, social media, marketing materials, and Center newsletters;
• Generating high-quality press releases, working with and advising PIs on newsworthy topics, and delivering copy and visuals. You will work with the Communications team at HQ to determine news angles. The distribution of press releases and the maintenance of relationships with the media are managed by the HQ team.
• Actively managing and maintaining the website and social media channels with a focus on broadening global reach;
• Initiating and facilitating scientific outreach and public engagement opportunities;
• Maintaining the Center’s relations with local, national, and international stakeholders, including funding agencies, patient organizations, charity foundations, and scientific collaborators;
• Executing additional tasks as required within the scope of the role and in consultation with the Center’s management.

2. Science Grants support within the Center

You support the Center in its grant writing and grant management activities. In this function, you take initiative in:

• Liaising with the Center’s scientists and the central VIB grants office in scouting funding opportunities.
• Supporting Center’s group leaders in the preparation of grant proposals, with a particular emphasis on EU grants and consortium grants. In your role as science communicator, your support is focused on optimizing effective communication and illustration in grant proposals.
• Supporting Grant coordinators in the organization of annual project and consortium meetings.
• Supporting Grant coordinators in project-associated outreach and communication activities.

3. VIB Communications Strategy and Projects

Together with the VIB HQ Communications team, you take part in conceptualizing and rolling out the VIB Communications strategy

• You feed the VIB Communications team with the detected needs within the Center;
• You actively contribute to centrally developed stories, campaigns, and newsletters by providing story ideas, liaising with Center staff for the development of stories in support of central initiatives, and by reinforcing centrally developed stories via Center channels;
• You work closely with the HQ team about the development and distribution of press releases.
• You take interest in the Center’s scientific activities and take initiative in following the scientific achievements of Center’s scientists.
• You attend and actively contribute to team meetings, brainstorms, and training.