Position: Research: Research Communication & Innovation Strategy Manager

Position Type: Full-Time

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Communication and Innovation Strategy Manager works in collaboration with faculty investigators, the CSO, Research Affairs, and other stakeholders to promote and communicate the research mission to internal and external audiences. They coordinate grant proposal development, write and edit grant proposals, and track research products with the goal of identifying intellectual property with real-world applications.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

Research Communications

• Develops and designs the institute's research communications strategy and helps to implement it in collaboration with Communications
• Translates highly complex science into lay language in the form of press releases, web stories, Everyday DNA blog posts, Tiny Expeditions podcast episodes, video scripts, etc.
• Serves as the Communication liaison to the Research mission area and centers and business development, providing guidance and coordination on available communication/marketing solutions and helping foster a holistic communication vision for the Institute.
• Writes and helps produce the biannual Research Report.
• Co-hosts and co-produces the podcast Tiny Expeditions.
• Maintains and updates websites for the research mission area.
• Maintains working relationships with faculty members and stays abreast of their ongoing work and newsworthy publications, interview scientists, and cover campus events such as scientific lectures.
• Works closely with Communications Team for media requests and interview availability
• Monitors for upcoming publications, presentations, and other key opportunities for highlighting research at the Institute.
• Works with other members of the Communication team members to produce multimedia content such as videos and podcasts
• Works with scientific journals and conferences to identify opportunities to leverage faculty findings at the institute.
• Supports Institute special events as needed.

Grant Proposal Development and Writing

• Leads and/or manages the development of grant proposals, especially collaborative proposals that leverage the expertise of more than one mission area or require a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary approach
• Drafts and edits grant proposals
• Reviews grant proposals for completeness and responsiveness to solicitations.

Technology Transfer

• Serves as IP advisor as part of the HudsonAlpha Intellectual Property Protection Program.
• Works with external counsel to draft patent claims encompassing potential new intellectual property.
• Helps review and respond to office actions for pending patent applications.
• Works with faculty to identify intellectual property.
• Gives occasional talks about intellectual property best practices

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

• A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in the life sciences or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in writing about complex science topics for a lay audience, especially in the fields of genomics and molecular biology
• 3+ years of experience working with faculty and research scientists
• Experience in technology transfer, intellectual property protection, patent writing/review, or related activities
• Working knowledge of standard office equipment and software applications such as Google Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to independently initiate work and make decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to multitask and work well under deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of current integrated marketing communications strategies and best practices.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Occasionally move about the office (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers and other office productivity devices, attending meetings, etc.).
• Constant use of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Communicate in person and over the telephone.

Environmental Factors

• Perform work in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature.
• Tolerate moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phones, and printers, light traffic).

Mental Functions

• Continuous mental and visual attention.
• Ability to focus on tasks despite interruptions and open cubicle environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Read and interpret information and documents.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.