Research communication officer

We offer a position as a research communication officer. You will become part of an international team where you can grow your skills and knowledge of dissemination, communication and stakeholder engagement for research projects.

Dit ga je doen

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-starting, creative, and motivated research communication officer interested in science communication and the academic setting. You are looking for a starting or early-career position (0-5 years of experience). In this part-time role, you will help implement communication and dissemination strategies for various research projects. You will work closely with researchers and stakeholders to ensure effective outreach and engagement. If you are eager to shape a new service, empower researchers to co-create and engage with stakeholders, and ultimately translate groundbreaking scientific results into impact for patients, we encourage you to apply!

From the start, you will be responsible for a portfolio of NL and/or EU-funded research projects for which you will run the communication and dissemination activities. You will be guided by experienced team members, which allows you to discover and experiment with your talents. You will gain hands-on experience and become a trusted partner for researchers, while also enhancing your skills in stakeholder engagement, helping to foster valuable connections between researchers and their external partners.

In this role, you are responsible for the design and implementation of effective communication and dissemination plans of scientific projects. In the execution of your work, you will adhere to proper science communication practice and inspire researchers to engage with relevant stakeholders. You will collaborate closely with scientific project leaders and team members. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to work on side projects internally with the Marketing and Communication directorate.

Hier ga je werken

The Research Office is part of the Directorate Policy & Strategy of the University Medical Center Utrecht. The Research Office focuses on strategic advice on development, implementation and evaluation of science policy within UMC Utrecht. Team Funding & Support (F&S) is a part of the Research Office and focuses on advising and supporting the development of grant applications (pre-award) and management of awarded projects (post-award). The science communication officer will be placed within the post-award branch of F&S which currently has 12 team members.

In the F&S team you will work with ambitious and eager colleagues. Nevertheless, we embrace our open, collaborative and supporting culture and core values. The flexible annual hours will contribute to a healthy work-life balance and provide the ability to excel in both aspects and accommodate personal preferences and needs.

The Marketing and Communication directorate contributes to the UMC Utrecht ambition by building a strong and sustainable reputation for the organization. This is done in close cooperation with the board of directors, directorates, divisions and strategic research programs. The directorate ensures vision, policy and an integral implementation of effective communication to all stakeholders of UMC Utrecht.

Dit neem je mee

You have an interest in science communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement for (inter)national EU and other subsidized projects. You have a basic understanding of how science communication and stakeholder engagement can facilitate and accelerate translation of scientific findings and innovations into societal impact. You have relevant education and/or experience in this field and a desire to improve the reach and impact of research activities and findings. In your work you show initiative, you are service-oriented, a great communicator/networker and able to establish and maintain interpersonal relations.

In your work you:

• Have excellent writing and speaking skills in both English and Dutch.
• Take initiative.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal relations.
• Are flexible.
• Find joy in working in an international team.
• Are eager to learn and ask questions (no matter the issue size).
• Can switch well between different projects and tasks.

Skills that are beneficial, but not required

• WordPress (or equivalent content management software) or desire to learn.
• Experience or interest in innovation management/exploitation.

To give you a good impression of the role and its activities, below you will find an overview of the day-to-day activities: 

• Ensuring an effective and timely execution of the projects’ dissemination and communication plans.
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement and optimizing the impact of stakeholder interactions through activities such as organizing events, developing engagement platforms, and coordinating with key partners.
• Creating and managing a content calendar.
• Social media account management.
• Developing (text and visual) content for educational and communication materials ((e.g. newsletters, animations, infographics, mini-documentaries).
• Maintaining online publication repositories.
• Organizing and participating in public science events.
• Tracking and reporting on dissemination and communication activities.
• Attending and presenting at consortium meetings (nationally and abroad).
• Shaping effective, goal-oriented communication and dissemination plans for new proposals, actively contributing to the professionalization of the dissemination and communication service.

The level of responsibility and task assignment will be adapted to the candidate's experience. Part-time students or early-to-mid career science communicators are welcome to apply. This position offers the opportunity to develop into a full-time role, contingent upon the growth and success of the service.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between €3493 and €5504 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on full-time employment (36 hours). 
• Salary increase of 3% from July 2025, according to the collective labor agreement (cao). 
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%. 
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution. 
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.