Careers in Science Communication
One of the biggest misconceptions about working in science is that a scientist spends all day analysing test tubes in the laboratory, but not all science jobs involve lab coats and safety specs!
It’s just as important for universities and industries to get the latest scientific discoveries “out there”. Research institutions rely on scientists with excellent communication skills to make science accessible to a variety of audiences, from healthcare professionals to primary school children. If you are passionate about science and are looking for a career outside of the lab, then science communication (SciComm) could be for you.
Earlier this year, the University organised two careers panels with expert science communicators. University of Birmingham’s student-led science magazine SATNAV: Science and Technology News and Views held its very first virtual careers event “Futures in SciComm”, while Careers Network hosted a panel of speakers from the medical communications field at “Insight into Medical Marketing and Communications” as part of the Insight into events series. Inspired by both events, Katie Fegan from SATNAV has created a beginner’s guide to SciComm, including top tips from the experts themselves.
Types of SciComm careers
Science communicators come in many forms:
Science journalist
Science journalists work for the press, writing and editing scientific news articles. Finding a great story requires lots of research; it is the science journalists’ job to convey the story in a way their readers will understand and appreciate.
Science editor
Generally speaking, science editors are responsible for managing the publication of books, magazines and other digital content. They act as liaison between the author and the publisher. Acquisition editors, for example, work with authors to commission new copy for the publisher. They are also responsible for monitoring research trends and deciding what fits the scope of the publication they work for.
Public relations (PR) officer
A university press office raises awareness of events that are happening within the institution. PR officers publicise these events by writing press releases, and often connect media outlets to academic experts who can provide an opinion or commentary for their news stories.
Medical writer
Medical writers help pharmaceutical companies educate their consumer base on new products and therapies. They provide marketing solutions based on clinical and economic data using a variety of materials like journal manuscripts, slide decks and competitive analyses. Maintaining relationships with clients lies at the core of the job — meaning there is ample opportunity for global travel.
Freelance science presenter
Think you could be the next Brian Cox, inspiring the nation with your favourite facts and theories? Science presenting isn’t just about being on TV, though. Science presenters engage with the public by putting on demonstrations and science shows. If you are an entertainer who loves talking to anyone and everyone about science, science presenting could be for you. We highly recommend checking out Jon Wood Science for inspiration!
Museum curator
Nowadays, most museum exhibits are fully interactive. Just take a look at The Lapworth Museum of Geology at UoB! Creative thinkers who enjoy combining art and science to educate the public would be well suited to life as a museum curator.
Top tips for making it in SciComm
1. Gain experience. Find opportunities that allow you to dabble in different areas of SciComm — and keep a note of each experience using an online portfolio. Get involved in outreach activities run by your department. Volunteer at science festivals like Pint of Science, or write for magazines that will publish your work (UoB-run websites like SATNAV are a great place to start).
2. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Love podcasts? Comic strips? Interpretive dance? Why not start your very own SciComm channel using your favourite hobby and let your passion shine through! Playing to your strengths will help you stand out as a communicator.
3. Consider a postgraduate degree. For some positions, a postgraduate qualification could help strengthen your application. An MSc or PhD in a science-based subject offers valuable transferrable skills like project planning and manuscript writing… but that doesn’t mean that doing one is essential. Make sure to research your options and find out what courses make sense for your personal career progression.
4. Subscribe to job alerts. If you are looking for a particular type of role, set up key word alerts on LinkedIn and connect with companies that you are interested in working for.
5. And finally, remember the importance of a “growth mindset”. To get a “yes” in SciComm, you often have to work through a lot of “no’s”. Rejection comes part and parcel with being a science communicator — it’s nothing personal. But if you keep creating connections and building your portfolio, you will have a much better chance of getting your foot through the door.
Special thanks to the speakers at both Careers events, whose experiences and expertise helped shaped this article.
For more information on SATNAV, University of Birmingham’s only student-run science magazine, visit www.satnavmag.com.
Explore your options and gain an insight into the science and healthcare sectors by browsing resources, researching work experience and job opportunities, or by attending an Insight Into event.
