The IBRI’s vision is to build a world-class organization of researchers, innovators and business professionals that catalyze activities across the Indiana (and beyond) life sciences community. To achieve that vision, we look for curious and collaborative team members who are energized by innovation, guided by integrity, and inspired by diversity of thought.

About the Role

The IBRI is seeking a dynamic Strategic Communications Associate to lead and support the development of impactful communication strategies that elevate our research, engage diverse audiences, and strengthen our institutional brand. This role is ideal for a communications professional with a strong background in science or academic communications, excellent writing skills, and a passion for translating complex ideas into compelling stories. This position will develop strong relationships, through an onsite work environment, with our scientific experts to drive our mission further.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans aligned with research and institutional goals.
• Create and manage content across digital platforms, including social media, newsletters, websites, and press materials.
• Lead media outreach efforts, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining media relationships.
• Support internal communications to foster staff engagement and alignment.
• Collaborate with researchers to identify storytelling opportunities and translate findings for public audiences.
• Monitor communication metrics and prepare performance reports to inform strategy.
• Assist with executive communications and stakeholder messaging.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to communication best practices.
• Annual strategic communications plan with measurable goals.
• Monthly content calendar and analytics reports for social media.
• Press kits and media outreach materials for major publications and events.
• Internal newsletters and staff engagement materials.
• Executive briefing documents and stakeholder templates.
• Brand and messaging guidelines tailored to research themes.
• Training resources for researchers on media engagement.
• Crisis communication protocols and rapid response materials.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in strategic communications, preferably in a research or academic setting.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and analytics platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working in a start-up environment is a plus.

Key Deliverables

• Annual strategic communications plan with measurable goals.
• Monthly content calendar and analytics reports for social media.
• Press kits and media outreach materials for major publications and events.
• Internal newsletters and staff engagement materials.
• Executive briefing documents and stakeholder templates.
• Brand and messaging guidelines tailored to research themes.
• Training resources for researchers on media engagement.
• Crisis communication protocols and rapid response materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in strategic communications, preferably in a research or academic setting.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and analytics platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working in a start-up environment is a plus.

Our organization:

We are the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI). We are a leading translational research institute that advances academic and industry science through collaboration to improve patient health outcomes. Building your career at the IBRI in Indianapolis’ 16 Tech Innovation District means being part of a team of renowned scientists, creative thinkers, and innovative leaders.

Today’s research is being driven by significant advances in our abilities to study complex disease processes and propose new ways to improve patients’ lives. To reflect the evolving nature of life sciences research and encourage synergies through collaboration, we’re enhancing our integrated capabilities, adding depth to how we approach patient-informed translational science and pursuing four foundational areas of scientific focus. These four areas will provide us with the core talent and capability to pursue translational science in this new patient-centric framework:

• Disease, Systems, Pathways – We’re working to better understand diabetes and identify new ways to combat the disease. We’re applying this learning to other diseases that share common systems and pathways.
• Molecular Innovation – We’re developing new capabilities for molecular design and drug discovery to investigate disease processes and pursue new therapeutic approaches.
• Integrated Data Sciences – We’re pursuing advanced data sciences to create novel end-user inspired solutions that address complex analysis, simulation, and prediction across the translational sciences.
• Enabling Technologies – We’re building a rich platform of enabling technologies that give our scientists, partners, and collaborators access to the best tools to solve complex scientific problems.

Compensation:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.