NIOZ is looking for Science Communications expert for an EU funded research project “ACTNOW”

This position within the Department of Coastal Systems (COS) of the Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ) is responsible supporting the development of synthesis and summary products during the final stage of the ACTNOW project. ACTNOW is a large, multi-national EU project coordinated by NIOZ.

THE INSTITUTE
NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the Dutch national oceanographic institute and principally performs academically excellent multidisciplinary, fundamental, and frontier applied marine research addressing important scientific and societal questions pertinent to the functioning of the ocean and seas. NIOZ includes the National Marine research Facilities (NMF) department that operates a fleet of research vessels and the national pool of large seagoing equipment, and supports excellence in multidisciplinary marine research, education, and policy development.

THE DEPARTMENT 
The Department of COS studies integral coastal ecosystems and their populations of fish, birds, and other marine animals in the North and Wadden Seas as well as on a global scale. The department focusses on key physical, chemical and biological processes that determine the productivity and the ecological functioning of coastal areas. The coastal system is studied as a unity by considering the interrelations between the key compartments of the ecosystem (water, sediment, microalgae, macrozoobenthos, parasites, fish, marine mammals and birds).

THE PROJECT
ACTNOW (Advancing Understanding of Cumulative Impacts on European Marine Biodiversity, Ecosystem Function and Services for Human Wellbeing: HE CL6-2021-BIODIV-01-04) is an EU-funded research project examining the relations between climate change, marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project is generating knowledge on how best to implement solutions to rebuild marine biodiversity by managing multiple pressures. We are conducting our research and are cooperating with marine organisations and the public within small- and large-scale Case Studies across European regional seas. Our goal is to provide science-based policy advice on how best to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services in a future climate. The consortium contains 34 partner institutions from 16 countries. NIOZ is the primary contact for the EU Commission and is responsible for ensuring that the consortium successfully delivers the goals and products within the ambitious workplan of ACTNOW.

THE RESEARCH
ACTNOW is in the final stages of developing and communicating its products which will include:

1) Project Synthesis Report with chapters on summarizing findings (e.g. 100 pp)

2) Case Study documents summarizing local to regional findings (e.g. 25 docs);

3) Policy briefs to European Commission and global audience (4 to 6 docs).

This communications expert will co-produce these outputs with project partners and the coordination team (scientific coordinator, communications officer) at NIOZ. This includes editing and production of figures / graphics. The project has conducted social-ecological research across European regional seas since spring 2023. Exciting science has been produced and your job is to help ensure it is effectively communicated to various audiences in the final phase of ACTNOW.

THE ROLE 

• Establishing and overseeing workflow and quality assurance for synthesis products.

• Working hand-in-hand with the Project Scientific Coordinator and Communications Officer to produce final texts and graphics for project synthesis materials.

• Working with project partners to fine-tune the written communication of outputs.

• Working with the project manager and finance officer to take budget decisions.

• Editing texts for clarity and consistency (implementing a synthesis style guide).

• Producing high-quality graphics for specific synthesis products based on drafts and ideas from project scientists and the scientific coordinator.

THE CANDIDATE

• University degree, preferably in Communications, Science Communication studies but also potentially in natural or social sciences;

• Strong IT skills (MS Office, graphic design software, etc.)

• Keen interest in science communication.

• Experience in journalism will be considered a plus;

• Candidate must demonstrate high social and intercultural competence (consistent with the size, international level, and complexity of the project consortium);

• Good track record in successfully managing and completing projects;

• Well organised and service oriented;

• Friendly and reliable way of working;

• Team player (collaborative spirit and ability to work on an highly international and interdisciplinary team);

• Excellent writing skills in English (C2 level or equivalent);

• Ability to rapidly familiarizing oneself with new, interdisciplinary research projects;

• Previous experience working in large research projects is not required but beneficial;

• Systematic, independent and highly efficient working approach.

THE CONDITIONS

• Employment of this temporary position for 24 hours a week at Royal NIOZ  NWO-I for a duration of 10 months. (The project is funded for 4 years and started in March 2023).

• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI  (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10 or 11 depending on relevant experience. 

• The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy. 

• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week. 

• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. 

• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%. 

• Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits. 

• We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation. 

Royal NIOZ COS is located on the beautiful island of Texel in the World Heritage Wadden Sea. Texel offers sun, wind and beach, and a diverse but moderate level of facilities, including a thriving tourist industry, shops, sports facilities, primary schools and a high school. It is connected to the main land by an hourly to half-hourly ferry service, with crossings taking 20 minutes. The Royal NIOZ is situated next to the ferry terminal.

MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Myron A. Peck (Project Coordination and department head COS). For additional information about the hiring procedure, please contact working@nioz.nl.

 Your application should contain:

• a sample portfolio of your past material that demonstrates your experience/expertise in any or all of the above requirements;

• a CV or resume

• contact information for three references

The closingdate of this vacancy will be the 31st of March.