Senior Science Communications Officer (f/m/d)

Job title: Senior Science Communications Officer (f/m/d)

Job location: The Central Executive Management Office of BBMRI-ERIC in Graz, Austria

Job purpose: With your experience and drive in science communications you will be a key member of Department of Outreach, Education and Communications, working with Member States, the biobanking community, EC and other key stakeholders of one of the largest European Research Infrastructures in health and life sciences.

Contract: Full time (40 hours/week) for an initial two-years.

Who we are:

BBMRI-ERIC is the European Research Infrastructure for biobanking and biomolecular resources established in 2013 under EU legislation. BBMRI-ERIC enables the development of innovative technology and processes as a cross-domain network that facilitates responsible access to high-quality samples, data and biomolecular resources. We achieve this through multidisciplinary expertise and service provision, scientific excellence, knowledge exchange and partnerships in health and life sciences. BBMRI-ERIC’s vision is simplified as: “Biobanking for a Healthier World”. Its headquarters are in Graz, Austria.

BBMRI‐ERIC is an inclusive, equal‐opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. Further information on the vision, mission, governance, and statutes of BBMRI‐ERIC can be found at www.bbmri-eric.eu.

What makes the job special?

As a seasoned science communicator, you are a passionate storyteller with an enthusiasm for bringing audiences across different platforms to your carefully crafted content. You are confident with producing precise and accurate copy and associated media (statutory publications, graphics, video, and audio) to deadline.

You possess a science communications background and understanding of handling largescale European life sciences projects, so that juggling competing deadlines, stakeholders and shifts in output comes naturally.

Working closely with the Head of Outreach, Education and Communications, the Senior Science Communications Officer is responsible for:

• Independently handling communications activities and work package management of (EU funded) life sciences projects
• Managing internal and external messaging
• Shaping, prioritising, and driving communications activities, including press releases, case studies and digital content
• Developing, strengthening, and maintaining stakeholder outreach contacts and relationships
• Coordinating and tailoring messaging from across BBMRI-ERIC for key stakeholders
• Planning and supporting social media outreach for service activities and reporting communications KPIs
• Supporting communications staff in National Nodes to increase BBMRI’s visibility and community engagement
• Developing and delivering on communications and outreach objectives contained within BBMRI-ERIC’s 10-Year Roadmap and Work Programme
• Engaging with the media to secure coverage of BBMRI-ERIC’s impact

In this role your required skills and qualifications are:

• A Master's degree or higher related to the discipline of communications or a strong track record in this professional field;
• At least five years’ experience carrying out media and science communications tasks and reporting (preferably within the EU funded life sciences projects landscape);
• A confident user of the Adobe Suite, analytics tools and website content management systems;
• Professional fluency in English, as English is the official working language of BBMRI-ERIC;
• Ability to prioritise tasks, work independently, and deliver high-quality results on time while demonstrating strong teamwork skills;
• Understanding of the media and press environment across the EU;
• Curiosity to stay up to date with the latest ways to build and support specialist communities;
• A confident producer of engaging, and audience appropriate, cross-platform multimedia storytelling content;
• A solutions-oriented approach to work, making connections and the ability to draw logical conclusions from facts, data and figures;
• Readiness for moderate travel.

If this role interests you and you bring a strong combination of relevant qualifications, skills, and professional experience, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every requirement listed above. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and assess each application holistically, recognising the unique strengths and contributions that every candidate can bring to our team.

Employment terms and conditions

As we aim to provide a diverse work environment, the work can be performed at the headquarters in Graz with hybrid options.

The employment follows the Austrian employment law.

What we offer

A minimum annual gross salary of € 55,000.00 (based on 40hours/week) will be offered, aligned with European and international standards for comparable roles and responsibilities. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

A unique opportunity to work at the center of a European‑level organisation, collaborating closely with supportive communications and outreach colleages and the inner leadership team. The role carries responsibility and visibility, all within an international, diverse, and intellectually stimulating environment that supports professional development and insight into European-level cooperation.

Balance your free time and your working life independently according to your own ideas: With our flexible working hours, you decide when you work outside our core working hours and you can also take advantage of occasional telework.

A multifaceted, challenging range of tasks with responsibility in a co-operative working environment with flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths, characterise your day-to-day work. Becoming part of BBMRI-ERIC enables interdisciplinary and cross-professional opportunities for collaboration across Europe and beyond.

In addition to the diversity of the various scientific disciplines, we offer a working culture in which diversity is lived and highly valued.

We secure your future: with our comprehensive fringe benefits like complementary health insurance (in addition to public insurance, ÖGK), and a private pension scheme for employments in Austria we take care of your well-being.

Located on the 6th floor of a modern building at the Medical University campus, our comfortable office sits in Graz’s biomedical community and provides an English‑speaking work environment with great networking opportunities.

When you’re not teleworking, convenient tram and bus connections make commuting easy, and a variety of restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores are within walking distance.

To learn more about working at BBMRI-ERIC, visit www.bbmri-eric.eu/careers.

Equal opportunities  

BBMRI-ERIC is committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of their personal characteristics.

Application procedure

For applications to be considered, candidates must submit for their application via our online portal BambooHR:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A letter of motivation or a video link in which you introduce yourself and provide examples of how this role suits your skills, competencies and experience
• Supporting documents (copies of High School, University and PhD degrees, references, examples of work relevant to this role and evidence of project involvements etc.)

Application deadline is 26 October 2026; anticipated start of work is as soon as possible.

In case of any questions, please contact: Ulrike Rohrer, HR Specialist (ulrike.rohrer@bbmri-eric.eu)