Science Communication Specialist

IFOM is an internationally recognized non-profit cancer research institute supported by the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC), based in Milan within a highly dynamic urban environment.

IFOM continuous success is ensured by the recruitment of highly selected undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate researchers from over 24 countries worldwide.

IFOM is hosted within a research campus shared with the European Institute of Oncology and the Italian Institute of Technology.

IFOM is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment, based on mutual respect and the enhancement of diversity, offering equal job opportunities to all qualified candidates.

We seek for our Institute: Science Communication Specialist

The candidate will report directly to the Head of Corporate Communication and Events and will work closely with the Communication team. With solid communication experience and proven experience in biomedical or research settings, candidate will be responsible for translating the work carried out in our labs and across the Institute into content for scientists, institutions, donors, journalists, and the wider public.

Responsibilities

• Writing press releases, scientific news, and institutional content that accurately reflects our research and its significance;
• Managing scientific and institutional content across web channels, social media, and newsletters;
• Coordinating the editorial production of the IFOM Annual Report and Bilancio Sociale;
• Building and maintaining an in-depth knowledge of IFOM's research portfolio to ensure accuracy and relevance across all communications;
• Building and managing a portfolio of relationships with science journalists and health correspondents across Italian and international media; monitoring media coverage and supporting proactive pitching;
• Supporting crisis communication when research results or institutional matters require rapid, accurate external messaging;
• Supporting the editorial and communication aspects of scientific events, including public-facing formats and media moments;
• Coordinating with researchers and scientists to gather information and bring their work to life for diverse audiences;
• Acting as operational backup for the Head of Corporate Communication and Events;

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in science communication, science journalism, or institutional communication;
• A documented portfolio of media relationships and published work;
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific content for non-specialist audiences across written, digital, and event formats;
• Experience in or understanding of crisis communication in scientific or institutional contexts;
• Familiarity with digital channels and AI tools for editorial workflows;
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment;
• Genuine curiosity about science and about cancer research in particular;

Education

University degree in a scientific field (biology, biotech, medicine, or a closely related field).

Languages

• Proficiency in Italian and English for speaking and writing;
• English is the working language at the Institute;

Soft Skills

• Learning and teamwork attitudes;
• Problem solving;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Empathy;
• Genuine curiosity about science and cancer research;

What We Offer

• International work environment;
• Flextime;
• Guest house inside the Campus;
• Discount agreements for gym, pharmacy, psychology services, and various shops around the IFOM area;
• Bar and canteen inside the campus & lunch benefit;
• Continuous support to candidates and their families (including housing, schooling, registration to the national health system, work permits, etc.) thanks to the activities of the Welcome Office;
• Medical service;
• Laptop;
• Lab G: a lab specifically designed for pregnant or breastfeeding women researchers;

This announcement is addressed to both sexes pursuant to Laws 903/77 and 125/91 and to people of all ages and nationalities pursuant to Legislative Decrees 215/03 and 216/03.