GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation of public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90 %) and the state of Schleswig-Holstein (10 %) and is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine sciences. Currently GEOMAR disposes over an annual budget of approx. 80 million Euro and has approx. 1000 employees.
The research unit Physical Oceanography in the division Ocean Circulation and Climate is searching to fill a position as Scientific Writer 50% part-time, until end of 2024 (starting as soon as possible).
The future job holder combines an understanding of natural and social sciences and an excellent ability to write scientific texts and reports well. You will work closely with Prof. Dr. Martin Visbeck and support his engagement in a broad range of national, international and multidisciplinary contexts. This position involves literature research on different interdisciplinary subjects, conduction interviews and attending virtual and at times in-person meetings. This information is then summarized and translated into clearly structured and understandable writing for a variety of audiences ranging from scientists, policy makers to the generally interested reader. The subject topics can be quite broad with an emphasis on sustainability, environment, and ocean while addressing opportunities in the context of international cooperation, multi-stakeholder engagement and digitalization. You will write for a variety of media, including periodicals, books, websites and newspapers mostly in English but at times also in the German language. The successful candidate should be highly motivated and used to working independently.
Job Description
The particular activities include:
- producing articles for publication in print and online based on scientific content (natural and social science) addressing scientific and non-scientific audience and opportunities in the context of international cooperation, multi-stakeholder engagement and digitalization according to agreed style, and keeping to strict deadlines.
- reading and researching specialist media and literature, such as scientific papers, company reports, newspapers, magazines and journals, press releases and internet resources including social media.
- conducting interviews with scientists and other subject matter experts (from academia, research institutes but also experts from economy, politics, and NGOs).
- attending academic and press conferences (including presentation of the scientific results)
- attending meetings or taking part in conference calls with clients, scientists or other writers
- meeting with colleagues to plan the content of a document or publication on scientific topics with emphasis on sustainability, environment, and the ocean.
- conducting reference searches in the context of integrated science for sustainability
- reviewing and amending work in response to editor feedback including page proofs from printers
- selecting appropriate artwork to accompany articles
- collaborate with and consult graphic designer to visualize complex scientific context
- occasionally supporting the development of presentations
Qualification
The following qualifications are mandatory:
- master degree or equivalent in a subject relevant for above mentioned portfolio.
- at least three years of writing experience (scientific and non-scientific audience; please attach writing examples to your application).
- excellent communication skills in English both in writing and orally (proven by work samples or reference letter).
- good communication skills in German both in writing and orally (proven by work samples or reference letter).
- experience in working in international settings.
The following qualifications are desirable:
- knowledge on the science of sustainability, environment and ocean
- experiences in project management
- experience in supporting policy advice processes
- experience in engaging with non-scientific stakeholders
- experience in graphics and layout of documents
- experience in the preparation of impactful presentations
- experience in organization of medium sized expert meetings.
The position is available for a funding period until the end of 2024 (starting as soon as possible). The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class 13 TVöD-Bund of the German Tarifvertrag im Öffentlichen Dienst. This is a part-time 50% position of a full-time equivalent. The position cannot be split. The fixed-term contract shall comply with Section 1 Paragraph 14 of the Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz (German TzBfG).
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply.
GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.
Please send your application for this post consisting of a letter of motivation, documentation of experience and a detailed CV via email in a single pdf-file mentioning the keyword “Scientific Writer” in the subject line. Please send your application not later than 14. June 2022 to the following email address: bewerbung@geomar.de
As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation.
For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Sigrid Keiser (skeiser@geomar.de).
Further information, can be found here.