General Summary

The communications assistant will be responsible for translating complex scientific research into accessible, engaging content that showcases the innovative work of the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences Uganda(ACE-Uganda). This position addresses a critical need to effectively communicate our research findings, methodologies, and impact to diverse audiences including funders, policymakers, the scientific community, and the general public. The successful candidate will be a skilled writer and designer with natural curiosity about scientific research, capable of transforming technical content into compelling narratives through reports, newsletters, press releases, posters, and visual materials. This role requires someone who can ask the right questions to understand complex research, identify newsworthy developments, and create professional communications materials that enhance the project's visibility and impact. The ideal candidate combines strong writing and design abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Write clear, engaging summaries of research findings for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Draft press releases highlighting project milestones, breakthroughs, and publications
• Develop content for newsletters showcasing project progress, team achievements, and research impact
• Write and edit project reports, including progress reports for funders and technical summaries
• Craft social media content to promote project activities and findings
• Edit and proofread scientific communications to ensure clarity and accuracy
• Develop FAQs and explainer documents for complex research concepts
• Design visually appealing reports, newsletters, and scientific posters and infographics and promotional branded materials including flyers, brochures
• Create presentation templates and slide decks for the research team
• Create digital assets for web and social media platforms
• Attend project meetings and scientific presentations to identify communication opportunities
• Interview researchers to understand their work and extract key messages
• Organize and maintain a repository of project communications materials
• Develop and maintain a project photo and image library
• Assist with organizing dissemination events, workshops, and conferences

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Journalism and Communication
• Bachelor of Mass Communication
• Bachelor of Visual Communication, Design & Multimedia

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Science Communication, Public Relations, Visual Communication, Design & Multimedia, Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, science writing, or related field

Skills:

• Exceptional writing skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences
• Strong editing and proofreading abilities
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, engaging content
• Experience writing for multiple formats (reports, newsletters, press releases, web content)
• Excellent command of English grammar and style
• Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience designing reports, presentations, and promotional materials
• Strong visual design sense with understanding of layout, typography, and color
• Experience with presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good time management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Person Attributes:

• Ability to listen actively and extract key information from technical discussions
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with scientists and researchers
• Self-motivated with ability to identify communication opportunities independently
• Creative thinker who can develop innovative approaches to storytelling
• Proactive and takes initiative in identifying and addressing communication needs
• Comfortable working in a research environment
• Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives
• Commitment to accuracy and representing research findings faithfully
• Ability to support multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Professional demeanor with strong work ethic

• Write clear, engaging summaries of research findings for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Draft press releases highlighting project milestones, breakthroughs, and publications
• Develop content for newsletters showcasing project progress, team achievements, and research impact
• Write and edit project reports, including progress reports for funders and technical summaries
• Craft social media content to promote project activities and findings
• Edit and proofread scientific communications to ensure clarity and accuracy
• Develop FAQs and explainer documents for complex research concepts
• Design visually appealing reports, newsletters, and scientific posters and infographics and promotional branded materials including flyers, brochures
• Create presentation templates and slide decks for the research team
• Create digital assets for web and social media platforms
• Attend project meetings and scientific presentations to identify communication opportunities
• Interview researchers to understand their work and extract key messages
• Organize and maintain a repository of project communications materials
• Develop and maintain a project photo and image library
• Assist with organizing dissemination events, workshops, and conferences

• Exceptional writing skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences
• Strong editing and proofreading abilities
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, engaging content
• Experience writing for multiple formats (reports, newsletters, press releases, web content)
• Excellent command of English grammar and style
• Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience designing reports, presentations, and promotional materials
• Strong visual design sense with understanding of layout, typography, and color
• Experience with presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good time management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Science Communication, Public Relations, Visual Communication, Design & Multimedia, Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, science writing, or related field