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Director Science Communication Jobs in Portland, OR

Nike

Lead Demand Planner, Global Jordan

Beaverton, OR · On-site

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH This role reports to the Global Jordan Streetwear Planning Director and ... Strong Excel, statistical forecasting, data science, communication, problem-solving and critical ...

Varsity Tutors

ACT Science Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes minimal passage reading, direct data analysis, and recognizing question patterns for ... Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style. * Ability to adapt to ...

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All JobsScience Communication JobsDirector Science Communication JobsDirector Science Communication Jobs in Portland, OR

Director Science Communication information

See Portland, OR salary details

$85.4K

$118.6K

$152.7K

How much do director science communication jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director science communication in Portland, OR is $118,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $132,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Science Communication do?

A Director of Science Communication leads efforts to convey scientific concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences, including the public, media, policymakers, and internal stakeholders. They develop and oversee communication strategies, manage a team of communicators or writers, and ensure that complex scientific information is accurately and effectively translated for non-experts. Their role often includes media relations, public outreach, and collaboration with scientists to craft clear messaging. Additionally, they may handle crisis communications and represent their organization at public events or in the press.

How does a Director of Science Communication typically collaborate with research teams and external stakeholders?

A Director of Science Communication works closely with research teams to translate complex scientific findings into accessible messages for various audiences. This often involves attending project meetings, reviewing research outputs, and identifying key insights to share. The role also requires building relationships with external stakeholders such as media outlets, policymakers, and community organizations to ensure the organization's scientific achievements are accurately represented and widely disseminated. Effective collaboration and communication skills are crucial, as the director often acts as a bridge between scientists and the broader public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Science Communication, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Science Communication, you need advanced expertise in scientific disciplines, outstanding writing and presentation skills, and a relevant degree—often at the graduate level—in science or communications. Familiarity with digital communication platforms, media relations, and data visualization tools is typically required, along with experience managing communication campaigns. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex research for various audiences are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure scientific information is accurately and effectively conveyed to stakeholders and the public, promoting understanding and support for scientific initiatives.

What is the difference between Director Science Communication vs Science Writer?

AspectDirector Science CommunicationScience Writer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science or communication, experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or master's in science, journalism, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, develops strategic communication plans, collaborates with stakeholdersResearches, writes, and edits scientific content for various media
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, science organizations, corporationsMedia outlets, scientific publications, freelance platforms

The main difference is that the Director Science Communication oversees communication strategies and manages teams, while the Science Writer focuses on creating scientific content. The director has a broader leadership role, whereas the writer specializes in content creation and storytelling within the science field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Communication jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Science Communication jobs in Portland, OR are:
Director Science Communication jobs near you

Senior Staff Scientist

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$118K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Overview
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a world leader in treating leukemia. Our director, Dr. Brian Druker, is an internationally recognized pioneer in precision cancer medicine. Dr. Druker played a central role in developing Gleevec, a daily pill for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) that has saved tens of thousands of lives. Now he is helping lead Beat AML, a major effort to find better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia.
Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:
  • We act BOLDLY-Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
  • We SUPPORT each other-Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
  • We work as a CONNECTED team - We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position
An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced researcher to join the Braun Laboratory at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute as a Senior Staff Scientist in Portland, OR.
The Braun Laboratory at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a translational research group focused on the epigenetic mechanisms that drive myeloid malignancies, with a primary focus on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our research program is organized around a core translational pipeline: we identify epigenetic vulnerabilities in myeloid cancer cells, develop combination strategies pairing mutation-directed kinase inhibitors with epigenetic agents, and advance the most promising approaches toward clinical application. Our mechanistic work is grounded in genomic and epigenomic methods spanning bulk and single-cell approaches. Samples from our clinical program inform the biological questions we ask in the laboratory, and the answers we find move directly into clinical trial design. This closed loop between patient care and laboratory discovery is the defining feature of how we work.
Position Focus
The Senior Staff Scientist provides scientific leadership and independently conducts research in the Braun Lab. The position focuses on:
  • Primary human AML and MPN patient sample models
  • Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) biology
  • Epigenomic profiling
  • In vivo mouse studies

Core Technical Responsibilities
  • Independent design and execution of complex experimental programs
  • Primary cell culture of patient-derived leukemia samples and HSPCs
  • Genomic library preparation from low-input primary samples (CUT&RUN/CUT&Tag, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq)
  • Lentiviral and retroviral vector production and primary cell transduction
  • In vivo mouse studies including xenograft models, bone marrow transplantation, and pharmacologic drug administration
  • Sustained management of 3-5 concurrent experimental workstreams, using instrument time, incubation periods, and cell growth windows to advance parallel projects

Senior Staff Scientist Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years of relevant post-doctoral work experience
  • Internal candidates must have completed 3-5 years at the Staff Scientist level
  • Evidence of national recognition in the field and sustained scientific output
  • Primary driver of multiple experimental programs with demonstrated scientific independence
  • Substantial contributions to grant writing, manuscript preparation, and scientific presentations
  • Experience mentoring junior personnel including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff

Required Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years of relevant post-doctoral work experience. Internal candidates must have completed 3-5 years at the Staff Scientist level.
  • Demonstrated expertise in primary hematopoietic cell biology, myeloid malignancy research, epigenomic profiling, and in vivo mouse modeling. Evidence of national reputation in field and sustained scientific output as demonstrated by research products is required.
  • Expertise in long-term culture of primary human AML samples and HSPCs.
  • First or senior author publication record in high-quality journals.
  • Proficiency in low-input epigenomic library preparation (CUT&RUN/CUT&Tag, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq).
  • Experience with lentiviral/retroviral vector production and primary hematopoietic cell transduction.
  • Proficiency in myeloid malignancy mouse models (xenograft, bone marrow transplantation, pharmacologic drug administration).
  • Experience mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff.
  • Experience presenting at national and international scientific conferences.
  • Knowledge of IACUC, biosafety, and radiation safety requirements.
  • Ability to independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols.
  • Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent experimental programs.
  • Ability to contribute to strategic direction of research programs.
  • Experience building productive internal and external collaborations.
  • Commitment to rigorous organizational standards, reproducible records, and current SOPs.

Additional Details
Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.
We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
    • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
  • Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
  • 25 days a year of paid time off
  • 8 days of sick time off
  • Commuter subsidies
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
  • Annual Merit Increase
  • Growth/Development Opportunities
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses

#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightscientistjobs #knightinternal
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887

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