Scientific Communications Specialist

Overview

Axle Informatics is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations around the globe. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a highly ambitious, adaptable, structured, and detail-oriented Scientific Communications Specialist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Vaccine Research Center (VRC), Office of the Scientific Director (OSD).

Technical Requirements

• Independently or as part of a team prepare and present comprehensive program reviews to include recommendations on curtailing or expanding programs and program effectiveness.
• Coordinate high level, collaborative projects with other internal and/or external organizations to meet broad agency goals.
• Collect and compile qualitative and quantitative information and data for use in program decisions. Research and prepare responses to ad-hoc or recurring inquiries received in writing or telephonically (e.g., Congressional briefing materials and responses.)
• Interpret administrative policies, develop local administrative policies and guidelines for subordinate program activities, define administrative requirements, and provide advice to management on related matters.
• Provide operational oversight of the subordinate staff responsible for providing broad design, production, and photography services, including development of publications and of marketing materials and signage for VRC events; advertising and outside content review; logo use and policy; branding development and related special initiatives; poster and program development; medical illustrations; other graphic design projects.
• Provide operational oversight of subordinate staff in providing turnkey video and animation services, including client consultation; concept/script development; planning and location scouting; filming, storyboarding, editing and other post-production services; closed captioning; maintenance and updating stock of B-roll footage; development of video-related infrastructure, such as digital asset management and storage solutions, and overall project management for video projects.
• Lead the development and management of content for digital signage, including template development; content targeting and refreshment; maintenance of digital signage; media inquiries and interview requests, content for press releases, byline articles and keynote presentations, and public relations needs that increase the effectiveness of visual communications products in meeting the needs and requirements of the VRC.
• Regularly review programs/activities of the VRC and identifies and initiates action that will improve the quality of products and services provided. Continually explore new communications methods and approaches to increase efficiency in achieving goals and objectives, and ensure that communications messages are tailored to suit the new communications methods.
• Conduct and direct ongoing evaluations to measure the success of communications plans and programs that support and promote overall NIAID goals, research, and programs, ensuring that all messages, materials, and strategies for target audiences are credible, clear, and meaningful.
• Collaborate with NIAID Divisions and other OD offices to increase the effectiveness of communications strategies and services in meeting the needs and requirements of the Institute.
• Ensure that VRC communication functions are effectively coordinated with IT staff, including obtaining technical policy, advice, and assistance from the OCICB, and interacting with OCICB to assess the VRC's IT applications and systems and determine appropriate technology solutions to support the communication and dissemination of VRC information via various external and internal communications vehicles.
• Perform quality control assessments on all outbound written responses. Ensure documents are prepared in accordance with office policies and procedures, including reviewing, revising, and editing as needed. Ensure responses conform to applicable regulations, style manuals, and publication standards. Review and analyze documents for logical, wellorganized structure. Check and verify information for accuracy and consistency using a broad variety of Internet sources such as PubMed, Medline, and other Web sites and search engines. Act as an information resource to other health communications specialists in developing comprehensive and appropriate responses to mail, telephone, fax, and email inquiries from the public.

Specific Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of communication and health information services, such as may be gained through a background in health information communication or a related discipline.
• Advanced skill in oral and written communications to exchange information; coordinate work activities with technical, scientific, and administrative staff; and prepare written documents regarding complex, controversial, and sensitive NIAID programs and projects.
• Skill in providing high-quality customer service in handling public inquiries involving complex, multi-faceted, and sensitive issues, by mail, telephone, fax, and email.
• Ability to understand and analyze complex biomedical information and research programs, and communicate this information clearly to a lay audience.
• Expert knowledge of research programs and information available from NIAID, other NIH Institutes, and select private or non profit institutions.
• Expert knowledge of Internet health information resources, and the ability to research, analyze, comprehend, and use a range of technical resources.
• Knowledge of agency program goals and objectives and the relationship with other programs and key functions internal or external to the agency to define requirements, integrate program activities, assess impact, and/or make decision on use of resources.
• Knowledge of team management techniques to plan, organize, and direct multi-disciplinary project teams and activities
• Knowledge of oral communication techniques to serve as bureau or agency representative and present findings and deliver briefings, explain and justify recommendations.
• Knowledge of written communication techniques to prepare reports used as the basis for key-executive-level management decisions; Congressional testimonies and legislative proposals; policies; responses to inquiries; reports, marketing/outreach material; and other comparable documents.
• Knowledge of interpersonal relationship skills to establish and maintain effective and diplomatic working relations and secure support and cooperation.

Benefits

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision premium coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off (Including Holidays)
• Employee Referral Bonus
• 401K Match
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment-based age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: Email: careers@axleinfo.com

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individual’s assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.