Science Communication Officer [M/F] - 1 vacancy

 Post Ref.: CCMAR/TSCC/08/2023

The Algarve Centre of Marine Science (CCMAR) opens a vacancy for a Science Communication Officer (Técnico/a Superior de Comunicação de Ciência) (M/F), to satisfy temporary needs under an uncertain term employment contract in order to support the work carried in the context of the research project: ICHTHYS, Ref.H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019-872217, OptImization of novel value CHains for fish and seafood by developing an integraTed sustainable approacH for improved qualitY, safety and waSte reduction, funded by Horizon 2020 of the European Commission; BridgingALL - Bridging university to schools by ocean science, Ref. EEA.BG.CALL5.024.2020/PT-INNOVATION-0064, funded by Mecanismo Financeiro do Espaço Económico Europeu (MFEEE 2014-2021), within Área Programática Desenvolvimento de Negócios, Inovação e PME’s do Programa Crescimento Azul,  and BlueForestsEducation, Ref. EEA.BG.CALL5.002.2020/ PT-INNOVATION-0073, Boosting Blue Forests Education and Capacity Building funded by Mecanismo Financeiro do Espaço Económico Europeu (MFEEE 2014-2021) within Área Programática Desenvolvimento de Negócios, Inovação e PME’s do Programa Crescimento Azul and also for future projects at CCMAR under the following conditions:

 

Tasks to be performed:

This position requires working closely with CCMAR researchers and stakeholders to develop and implement science communication strategies and ocean literacy programs that increase public awareness, engagement and understanding of marine sciences. Main responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with researchers to identify and highlight the key research findings and translating scientific jargon into accessible language for non-expert audiences.

• Creating engaging content for various mediums such as websites, social media, press releases, print materials, exhibits and videos to communicate marine science research findings to a broad audience.

• Engaging with media outlets to secure coverage of CCMAR’s research and activities.

• Organizing and coordinating outreach events such as public lectures, school activities, workshops, exhibits and community engagement activities to promote the understanding and importance of Ocean Literacy and the scientific research developed at CCMAR.

• Supporting the organization of scientific events such as scientific seminars, workshops and conferences.

• Monitoring and evaluating activities for reporting and to ensure continuous improvement of CCMAR communication activities.

Given the responsibilities described above, this position requires: 1) a great willingness to interact with audiences of all ages and from different contexts, both in Portuguese and in English; 2) understanding of the work environment, methods and concepts in scientific fields, particularly regarding Ocean research; 3) creativity to plan and implement innovative science communication formats, 4) mastering science communication techniques and best practices; and 5) ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

 

Monthly Gross Salary: 1333,35€.

 

 

Application submission process and documents: Only applications submitted through the CCMAR website will be considered: https://www.ccmar.ualg.pt/list/job. Applications are considered to be correctly submitted only after the candidate has received a confirmation e-mail from CCMAR. Applications (in English) must include:

1. Motivation Letter (in English).
2. Detailed CV (in English) in accordance with the requirements, ideal profile and selection criteria.
3. Copy of the BSc. Degree Certificate.
4. Email contacts of up to 3 referees.

Non-compliance with these documents/information determines the immediate rejection of the application.

 

Required profile:

1. A degree (Licenciatura/BSc) in Natural Sciences, with preference for Ocean-related sciences.
2. Experience and/or post-graduate degree in science communication.

 

Non-compliance with these requirements invalidates the application. Provision of false documentation will be punished by law.

The ideal profile would include the following:

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree (Licenciatura/BSc) in Natural Sciences, with preference for Ocean-related sciences.

• A postgraduate qualification in science communication.

 

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of three years of experience in science communication, preferably in a marine research environment.

• Experience with website content management, social media platforms and digital media production.

• Planning and implementing scientific events and/or activities aimed at the school community.

 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present complex scientific information in a clear and accessible way.

• Fluency in Portuguese and English (Excellent level - oral, comprehension and written).

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

• Ability to work autonomously and as an effective member of a team with minimal supervision.

• Social skills – ability to interact with audiences of all ages and diverse backgrounds (scientific and non-scientific).

• Communication skills – ability to translate complex scientific content so that it can be understood by different audiences.

• Passion for marine science and the environment, and a desire to communicate that passion to others.

• Driving licence.

 

 

Working contract conditions: uncertain term employment contract expected to start in June 2023.

 

Working Schedule: 35 hours weekly – however it might be necessary sporadically to work outside of normal working hours to attend/organize events or to meet project deadlines.

 

Working Place: CCMAR

 

Application Period:  between the 03rd of May 2023 and 22th of May 2023 at 23:59 (Lisbon time, Portugal).

 

 

Selection Committee: Doctor Rita Abecasis, responsible for the communication department (president of the jury), Professor Jorge Martins, researcher and member of the board of directors at CCMAR (member) and Professor Ana Grenha, researcher and member of the board of directors at CCMAR (member).

Selection Criteria:

Through the analysis of the application documents the evaluation criteria for the applications and their relative weight for ranking are as follows:

1. Qualifications (30%)
2. Work experience (40%)
3. Motivation letter (30%)

 

The selection committee reserves the right to contact and interview candidates if additional information or clarification of any curricular aspect is necessary. In case it takes place, the interview aims to evaluate in more detail the curricular items used to grade the candidate according to the list above.

 

In the eventuality that no applicant has the necessary profile, the selection committee reserves the right to close the call without any recruitment. In the event that the selected person does not take up the position because of failure to comply with documentary requirements or any other reason, or later during the contract if they resign, the jury reserves the right, upon convenience and opportunity, to assign the position to the next applicant in accordance with the ranking positions based on the selectable list that can be used up to 12 months of the date of the present announcement.

The board of Directors reserves the right, due to a change in circumstances at the date of the present announcement, to cancel the present call without any recruitment.

 

Results: The lists of admitted and excluded candidates, and the final classification list, shall be posted on the CCMAR website at https://www.ccmar.ualg.pt/list/job-closed and all candidates will be notified by email.

 

Preliminary Hearing and Final Decision Deadline: After notification, candidates have 10 working days to contest the preliminary decision sending an email to the selection committee. The final decisions will be announced within 90 days of the application deadline.

Candidates holding degrees awarded by a foreign university should have their degree recognized in Portugal by  the contract signature.  Non-compliance justifies exclusion from the procedure. Information about the recognition procedures can be obtained at any Portuguese university or here. The board of directors reserves the right, upon request from the candidate, to extend the compliance period provided it does not impact negatively the programmed activities.

Disabled candidates shall be preferred in a situation of equal classification, and said preference supersedes any legal preferences. Candidates must declare, on their honour, their respective disability degree, type of disability and communication / expression means to be used during selection period on their application form, under the regulations above.

CCMAR’s non-discrimination and equal access opportunities policy – No candidate can be privileged, benefited, jeopardised or be deprived of any right or exempt of any claim in regards to descendent, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic situation, origin, social economy, genetic heritage, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnicity, territory of origin, language, religion, politics, ideology or union membership. 

April the 28th  2023