Help shape the future of biomedical research communication.
At The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), groundbreaking science drives discoveries that improve human health. We are seeking a strategic and collaborative Scientific Content Associate Director to lead the development of compelling scientific narratives that connect our world-class research with donors, partners, policymakers, media, and the broader public.
In this highly visible role, you will work alongside leading scientists, institutional leaders, and cross-functional teams to translate complex research into engaging content that advances JAX's mission and amplifies our impact. You'll also lead and mentor a talented team of scientific writers while helping influence define the institution's content strategy and editorial direction.
Why This Role MattersYou will serve as a critical bridge between JAX's research enterprise and external audiences, ensuring that our scientific leadership, innovation, and discoveries are communicated with clarity, accuracy, and purpose.
What You'll DoDrive Scientific StorytellingPartner with scientists and research leaders to uncover and communicate groundbreaking discoveries.
Transform complex scientific concepts into compelling, audience-focused content.
Develop strategic messaging that supports philanthropy, research, education, philanthropy, partnerships, and institutional priorities.
Identify opportunities to elevate JAX's thought leadership and scientific reputation.
Drive Content Strategy
Lead Advance JAX's scientific content strategy, editorial priorities, and content governance.
Collaborate with leaders across External Affairs, Advancement, Marketing, Media Relations, and Strategic Partnerships.
Guide editorial planning and content prioritization to maximize impact.
Develop High-Impact Content
Create and oversee content including:
Scientific and disease-area summaries
Donor proposals and stewardship materials
Corporate partnership presentations and pitch decks
Executive presentations and talking points
Website and digital content
Thought leadership opportunities articles and blogs
Social media content
Video scripts and multimedia storytelling
Media background materials and messaging frameworks
Strategic internal and external communications
Mentor and Develop a High-Performing Team
Coach, mentor, and develop a team of scientific writers.
Foster excellence in scientific communication, storytelling, and editorial quality.
Establish best practices and scalable content development processes.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, life sciences, communications, or a related field.
Ph.D. a plus.
6+ years of experience creating scientific, technical, or research-focused content with experience writing for donor, partner, policymaker and other audiences.
Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex science into clear, engaging, and accurate content.
Experience partnering directly with scientists, faculty, and research leaders.
Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience in biomedical research, healthcare, life sciences, academic medicine, or a mission-driven research organization preferred.
Pay Range: $113,718 - $190,388, based on experience, internal equity, and regional pay scales.
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, life sciences, communications, or a related field
- 6+ years of experience creating scientific, technical, or research-focused content
- Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex science into clear, engaging, and accurate content
- Experience partnering directly with scientists, faculty, and research leaders
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
- Experience in biomedical research, healthcare, life sciences, academic medicine, or a mission-driven research organization
The Jackson Laboratory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Jackson Laboratory and has not been reviewed or approved by The Jackson Laboratory.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions up to 10% and employer‑paid life and disability insurance indicate robust long‑term financial support. The retirement program is positioned as a standout element of the total package.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, fertility benefits, FSAs, EAP access, and onsite fitness centers point to strong healthcare support. These offerings contribute to a well‑rounded, reliable benefits foundation.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Entry‑level operations roles advertise site‑specific starting pay with regularly scheduled increases. Publicly posted entry rates and promised regular increases can help satisfaction early on.
The Jackson Laboratory Insights
What We Do
Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart Disease. Parkinson’s. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA. Founded in 1929, we are an NCI-designated Cancer Center since 1983 and an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization with over 90 years of experience in genetics and genomics research. JAX blends the brightest minds with state-of-the-art resources to accelerate discovery. Areas of Discovery (75+ Principal Investigators, >250 Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and D.V.M.s): • Cancer: We are a National Cancer Institute designated Cancer Center focusing on cancer initiation, progression, prevention and therapies. • Developmental/reproductive biology: birth defects, Down syndrome, osteoporosis, fertility • Immunology: HIV-AIDS, anemia, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, immune disorders, lupus, transplant rejection • Metabolic diseases: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, microbiome • Neurobiology: blindness, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, deafness, epilepsy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases • Neurobehavioral disorders: autism, addiction, depression Supporting Global Research: • The JAX Mouse Repository and Scientific Services are among the premier resources available for biomedical research. Committed to Education: • Summer Student Program (undergrad & high school) • Teaching the Genome Generation Short Course • Ph.D. programs: U. Maine, Tufts University and U. Connecticut • Courses, Conferences and Workshops






