Senior HPC Communications Specialist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Pension/401K plans

Vacation and sick time

Winter Holiday Shutdown

Parental bonding leave

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s NERSC division is seeking a Senior HPC Communications Specialist to lead external communications, raise NERSC’s visibility, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. You will write accurate science content, manage social media, and support media relations to showcase NERSC’s impact to the research community.

You will collaborate with researchers, DOE and partner institutions, produce multimedia content, and guide a small team to ensure consistent,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or a scientific or engineering field, and 8 years of experience in technical/science communications or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific or technical concepts into understandable prose for an educated audience
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies for scientific, non-profit, or government organizations
• Experience communicating science through social media and multi-media technologies
• Experience interacting with high-level internal and external contacts to establish working relationships for publications
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Proficiency with print and electronic publishing technologies (web CMS, digital publishing)
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, client service skills with diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of contemporary science communications tools and platforms (Google Suite, LinkedIn, Meta, Bluesky)
• Strong editorial judgment, attention to detail, and professional presence
• Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different platforms
• Ability to use multiplatform social media tools (Sprout Social or HootSuite)
• Knowledge of communications/public affairs fundamentals and industry practices

Responsibilities

• Lead external communications strategy for NERSC in partnership with management
• Coordinate the communications team (two specialists and a web content administrator)
• Research, pitch, and produce engaging, high-quality science stories for general audiences
• Collaborate with researchers, DOE, partner institutions, vendors and Lab teams for accurate messaging
• Produce publication-quality photography and video
• Lead NERSC’s social media presence through original content, campaigns and platform development
• Monitor sentiment, address reputational concerns, and analyze engagement metrics
• Manage communications projects from concept to publication, balancing priorities
• Mentor communications staff and junior team members
• Navigate complex communications challenges with professional judgment

Skills

Translating complex science to prose

Communications strategy development

Social media management

Media relations

Interpersonal communication

Publish/design tools knowledge

Multimedia content production

Editing and fact-checking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Sprout Social

HootSuite

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Google Suite

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s NERSC division is hiring a Senior HPC Communications Specialist to manage external communications, increase NERSC’s visibility, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The role involves writing scientifically accurate, engaging articles, managing social media, and supporting media relations and outreach to showcase NERSC’s scientific and operational impact to the broader research community.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!

In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:

Lead NERSC’s external communications strategy in partnership with management.

Coordinate the NERSC communications team, including two communications specialists and a web content administrator.

Research, pitch, and produce engaging, high-quality science stories for general audiences.

Collaborate with researchers, DOE, partner institutions, vendors, and Lab communications teams to ensure accurate messaging and coordinated coverage.

Produce publication-quality photography and video.

Lead NERSC’s social media presence through original content, campaigns, and strategic platform development.

Monitor social media sentiment, address reputational concerns, and analyze engagement metrics.

Manage communications projects from concept to publication, balancing competing priorities while upholding Lab policies and editorial standards.

Mentor NERSC communications team members and junior Lab communications staff.

Navigate complex communications challenges requiring in-depth analysis and sound professional judgment.

We are looking for:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or a scientific or engineering field, and 8 years of experience in technical communications, science communications, institutional communications, government communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Demonstrated experience translating complex scientific or technical concepts into understandable prose for an educated audience

Experience developing and implementing communications strategies, especially for scientific, non-profit, or government organizations

Experience communicating science through social media and multi-media technologies

Experience interacting with high-level internal and external contacts to establish working relationships needed to produce publications for release

Demonstrated organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple assignments, coordinate reviews, and meet competing deadlines

Proficient with both print and electronic publishing technologies such as web publishing software, content management systems, and digital communications practices

Strong interpersonal communication, teamwork, collaboration and client service skills, with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse group of colleagues

Knowledge of contemporary science communications tools, tactics, and best practices for technical audiences, including familiarity with common writing, editing, web publishing and social media platforms such as Google Suite, LinkedIn, Meta, and Bluesky

Strong organizational skills, fact-checking abilities, editorial judgment, and attention to detail

Professional presence and highly effective interpersonal skills that allow for iteration and streamlined editorial processes with multiple stakeholders, such as a community of scientists, and technical, and administrative staff

Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different platforms and audiences

Ability to use multiplatform social media tools such as Sprout Social or HootSuite

Knowledge of communications and public affairs fundamentals and industry practices

Desired skills/knowledge:

Familiarity with Berkeley Lab, DOE, and UC mission, organization, operations, programs, policies, and relevant public policy issues

Experience with media editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva)

Additional information:

Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 14, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $134,664 - $164,604, which fits into the full salary of $119,712 - $202,020 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.