Science Communications Specialist

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Are you curious about science and the people behind it? The Geophysical Institute is looking for a Science Communications Specialist to manage the flagship Alaska Science Forum weekly column and lead Science for Alaska public outreach events. As part of the Public Information Office in the GI Communications Department, you’ll act as a representative of the institute to connect with the public through science writing, public science talks and events, social media, and other outreach.

The Geophysical Institute is seeking a Science Communication Specialist to manage the Alaska Science Forum weekly column, do institutional science writing, and lead the institute’s flagship Science for Alaska public events.

The Geophysical Institute Communications Department works to share the diverse, world-class geophysical and Arctic research of the institute’s faculty, staff and graduate student researchers. This Public Information Office position includes the opportunity to engage with researchers across many different science disciplines, and act as a representative of the GI by connecting with the public through a variety of formats including science writing, organizing public lectures and events, social media and more.

To thrive in this role, you will have experience with both science writing for the public and coordinating science outreach events. You’ll be detail-oriented, curious about science and the people behind it, and eager to grow your storytelling skills to draw in new audiences. You will be a strong team player, using your leadership role in both the Alaska Science Forum and Science for Alaska events to bring people together to highlight GI scientists and research. You’ll have a positive attitude and strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, science, or related field and three years of progressively responsible experience relevant to the position, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria.

Preferred experience:

Professional experience in science communication, journalism, public information, communications strategy, public relations, or a related field.
Experience translating complex scientific, technical, or research-based information for broad public audiences.
Experience independently developing written and multimedia communications content across multiple platforms, including digital, print, media, and public outreach channels.
Experience managing communications projects, coordinating public outreach initiatives or events, and collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience establishing and maintaining professional relationships with media organizations, researchers, institutional leadership, and external partners.
Experience coordinating public-facing events, conferences, or outreach programming.
Demonstrated experience working with UAF, public, research, military or other agency-related audiences.

Position Details:

This position is full-time, Grade 79, term-funded, exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, based on education and experience.

This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office on the first day of employment.

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references with your application.

Applications will be accepted for review on 10/16/2026. To ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on 10/15/2026.

This recruitment is open internally to current UA employees or those otherwise eligible to apply to internal postings.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible. 

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357 or at [email protected].

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at [email protected].

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or [email protected] / 907-786-1214 or [email protected]. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or [email protected].

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing [email protected].