Science communication lead

Are you a hands-on communication specialist and interested in science communication? Do you want to take the lead to help to put a young scientific institute on the map? Then apply for the position of Science communication lead at JII!

Who are we?

The Jan IngenHousz Institute (JII) is a philanthropically funded, open science institution dedicated to improving photosynthesis to enhance global crop production. Our goal is to contribute to global food security in the face of climate change, biodiversity challenges, and human population growth. Our ambition is to unravel the secrets of photosynthesis under real-life conditions by developing a platform of sensors, research methods and analysis, to gain fundamental knowledge that enables the global collection and analysis of real-time field measurements of crop photosynthesis. Our team consists of engineers, data scientists, biochemists, biophysicists, geneticists, plant physiologists and breeders, working collectively at national and international levels. The JII is located at the campus of Wageningen University & Research and collaborates with many universities worldwide.

What will you do?

As a science communication lead, you will be primarily responsible for setting up and executing the JII communication strategy. You will maintain relationships with the scientific community, press and various stakeholders about scientific developments at JII. Furthermore, you will:

• devise strategies to communicate the JII mission to a range of target audiences.

• Develop communications products (e.g. scientific briefings, website and social media content, including press releases, feature articles, and print and audiovisual products) to promote JII’s work.

• Draft and edit written materials, including scientific reports, feature stories, news products, fact sheets and Q&As, ensuring accuracy, consistency, coherence, and adherence to JII.

• Promote JII's work through appropriate platforms, media queries/pitches, and interviews/briefings.

• Participate in and/or organize public events.

You won’t have to do all of this alone but can make use of other experts and agencies in communication, and will set up and lead a team to execute communication projects.

What do we look for in you?

• Minimum 5 years' experience in scientific communications with international organizations and/or scientific institutes.

• Significant experience in developing and implementing communication content and strategies.

• Experienced in producing content for radio/TV broadcasting and the web, including photos, videos and social media.

• Excellent writing skills in English and Dutch, especially in the area of scientific writing.

• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, research and write to short deadlines.

• Sound advocacy skills complemented by the ability to plan and evaluate situations and propose innovative communications options.

• As part of a learning organization, you don't need to know everything, but you are known for quickly acquiring new skills.

• You are a proactive individual who enjoys working in a solution-oriented manner, motivated to keep learning, and contribute to the institute's ambitions.

• We are currently a relatively small team, and many procedures and processes still need to be designed. You enjoy helping build the institute, which may involve tasks beyond your direct role.

• You have good English language skills as you will work in a team of international individuals, where English is the primary language.

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What do we offer?

• A position of 28 to 38 hours in scale 11 of the NU collective labour agreement (€4.537,- to €6.209,‑). Although we are not part of the NU collective agreement, we follow the salary scales of the NU agreement.

• You will receive 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus.

• We start with a 1-year contract, and if both parties wish to continue collaborating, a contract will follow.

• You will work in an intellectually stimulating, creative and challenging environment.

• You will contribute to building an institute with significant societal relevance.

Response

If you have questions about this position, you can contact Alexander Laarman, Operational Director, alexander.laarman@jii.org. Send your CV and a short summary of motivations and experience in an email containing the header “Science communication lead” to hrm@jii.org  by September 14th, 2025.