Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Communicator This position will be based at Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMSC) which is a unit within Umeå University and is located in Norrbyn just 40 km south of Umeå. UMSC’s strategic remit focuses on research, education, environmental monitoring and public engagement. Particularly relevant to this position, UMSC’s area of remit includes the Arctic, sub-Arctic and extreme environments with the former warming at three times the global average. Further, UMSC hosts world-class research infrastructure and platforms including mesocosms, research vessels and a scientific diving team. Further information can be found here.
Location of work: In person at Umeå Marine Sciences Centre.
Job description We are seeking a candidate who will have a primary role in leading outward and inward pointing communication activities of UMSC including research initiatives based at UMSC such as EcoChange. In particular, UMSC is a research nexus attracting international researchers and students. This exciting role will perform a key function in UMSC communications, aimed at both public engagement with our work, and attracting new users of our infrastructures.
Duties
Coordinate and manage externally and internally-pointing communications at UMSC with a focus on science communication.
Develop, implement, and manage our overall communication strategy aligned with UMSC’s vision and mission (https://www.umu.se/en/umea-marine-sciences-centre/about-UMSC/).
Use digital media tools, the University’s press releases, blogs and policy briefings to engage scientists, publics and politicians with respect to UMSC marine activities.
Create, edit, and publish engaging content (text, image, videos, reels) on on-site & off-site activities including research trips.
Updating and maintaining UMSC's external and internal website.
Provide support in communication and contribute to strategic, aligned and professional communication, with international and national contexts.
Collaborate with Umeå University communicators complementing their “traditional” communications avenues available within the university.
Tasks may change over time as communication and engagement avenues evolve, so you are required to stay current on popular technologies, trends, and algorithm patterns.
Other administrative duties may also apply including tasks around engagement with visiting groups, conferences and similar.
Essential criteria
University degree in communication, preferably in science journalism with a focus on natural sciences, or equivalent.
Experience in science-based communication, in particular summarising scientific research for the public, government and scientists in other disciplines.
Experience in using social media and other digital channels to disseminate scientific activity to mixed audiences.
Experience with web-based communication.
Experience in writing science-based policy briefs aimed at governments.
Excellent ability to express yourself in English in both speech and in writing.
Proven expertise in engagement on LinkedIn or similar platforms.
Driving license at time of employment.
Meriting criteria
Experience in marine science communication.
Experience of developing tailored marketing campaigns, for example, for implementation at international marine science conferences.
Experience in marketing and promoting infrastructures in person at international and national events.
Willingness to learn Swedish.
Great importance will be placed on personal suitability.
Terms and conditions
This is a 75% position and a probationary period may apply. Expected start date for position will be August 2026 or according to agreement.
The application should include
A cover letter clearly stating summarizing your qualifications and experience, how those enable you to meet the required criteria and your motivation for applying (max 2 pages).
A curriculum vitae (CV).
Links to professional (not private) social media accounts and/or digital science communication content you create and manage.
Contact information for at least two reference persons.
Other relevant documents that you wish to provide.
The application must be received via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than the 2026-05-15
For questions regarding the position, please contact: Nick Kamenos, Director of UMSC; nick.kamenos@umu.se
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
