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Director Science Communication information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$83.2K

$115.7K

$148.9K

How much do director science communication jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for director science communication in Silver Spring, MD is $115,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,300.00 and $129,200.00 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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Science Communication jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Director Science Communication jobs near you

Scientific Communications Leader

BioNTech SE

Gaithersburg, MD

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

London, United Kingdom; Cambridge, US; Gaithersburg, US; Mainz, Germany   |   full time   |   Job ID: 11273 

About the Role:

The Scientific Communications Leader (SCL)is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and driving the integrated scientific communications strategy for one or more oncology assets, indications, or disease areas across the product lifecycle. This role ensures the development of a clear, differentiated, evidence-based scientific narrative that supports Medical Affairs objectives, scientific exchange, data communication, congress readiness, and broader cross-functional alignment. 

The SCL serves as the enterprise leader for scientific messaging and communication strategy, translating complex clinical and scientific data into coherent, compelling, and medically accurate communication platforms for internal and external stakeholders. The role partners closely with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Publications, Commercial, HEOR, Regulatory, and Regional/Local teams to ensure consistency, relevance, and strategic impact of scientific communications. 

This position operates at a senior strategic level and is expected to shape communication priorities in support of pre-launch, launch, and lifecycle management in oncology.

Your Contribution:

Scientific Communications Strategy 

  • Lead the development and execution of the integrated scientific communications strategy for assigned oncology asset(s) or franchise(s). 
  • Define the overarching scientific communication priorities across key milestones, including data readouts, congresses, publication milestones, regulatory events, and launch preparations. 
  • Ensure scientific communication plans are aligned with the medical strategy, evidence generation priorities, and broader asset objectives. 
  • Serve as the primary architect of the scientific narrative and messaging platform for the asset or disease area. 

Scientific Narrative and Messaging Leadership 

  • Lead the creation and evolution of the core scientific narrative, communication platform, scientific lexicon, message houses, FAQs, and reactive communication tools. 
  • Ensure scientific messaging is evidence-based, differentiated, medically accurate, balanced, and aligned across functions and geographies. 
  • Translate complex clinical data into clear scientific messages tailored to different audiences, including healthcare professionals, internal stakeholders, field medical, andscientific congress audiences. 
  • Drive communication preparedness for major data disclosures, including pre-, during-, and post-congress communication needs. 

Content and Deliverable Oversight 

  • Oversee strategic development of scientific communication deliverables, including: 
    • scientific narratives 
    • key scientific statements/messages 
    • congress communication plans 
    • Q&A documents for data disclosures 
    • slide decks 
    • training materials for field medical teams 
    • scientific communication support materials 
  • Ensure content is aligned with the broader communication strategy and consistent across channels and functions. 
  • Review and provide strategic direction on high-impact scientific materials. 

External Engagement and Scientific Environment 

  • Maintain awareness of the external oncology landscape, including competitor data, treatment paradigm shifts, congress activity, and emerging scientific trends. 
  • Translate external insights into communication implications and recommendations for the organization. 
  • Support communication planning for advisory boards, expert engagement, and other external-facing medical activities, where relevant. 

A Good Match:

Education  

  • Advanced degree required: PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent scientific/medical degree. 

Qualifications 

  • Significant biopharma experience in oncology, with substantial experience in Medical Affairs, Scientific Communications, Clinical Development, or related functions. 
  • Demonstrated experience leading scientific communication strategy for oncology assets across development and/or commercialization stages. 
  • Experience supporting pre-launch or launch oncology assets. 
  • Experience across global and regional medical affairs environments. 
  • Strong understanding of oncology clinical development, treatment landscapes, scientific exchange, and medical communication needs. 
  • Proven ability to develop scientific narratives and translate complex data into strategic communication platforms. 
  • Strong track record of cross-functional leadership and influence at senior levels. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Critical Success Factors 

  • Strategic thinking and enterprise mindset 
  • Exceptional scientific storytelling capability 
  • Strong cross-functional leadership and influence 
  • Ability to operate with ambiguity and build new processes 
  • High scientific rigor and attention to detail 
  • Strong judgment and prioritization skills 

Leadership expectations 

  • Cross-Functional Leadership 
    • Partner closely with Global Medical Directors, Clinical Development, Publications, HEOR, Medical Excellence, Field Medical, and Commercial colleagues to align on scientific priorities and communication outputs. 
    • Act as the central cross-functional lead for scientific communications deliverables, ensuring clarity of ownership and avoidance of duplicative efforts. 
    • Provide strategic guidance on communication approaches for new data, emerging evidence, and external scientific developments. 
    • Contribute to asset and disease area governance forums as the scientific communications subject matter expert. 
  • Team Leadership / Matrix Leadership 
    • Lead through influence in a highly matrixed environment. 
    • May manage internal team members, agency partners, and/or external vendors supporting scientific communications. 
    • Mentor cross-functional partners and contribute to capability building in scientific communication excellence. 

Travel requirements 

  • Moderate to significant travel may be required for cross-functional meetings, congresses, and scientific engagement.

Your benefits and remuneration:

If the position is filled in the US, the Expected Pay Range is $198,900/year to $318,300/year + benefits, annual bonus & equity (bonus and equity is variable and dependent on company and individual performance). Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
Compensation at other locations may vary significantly. 

BioNTech is committed to the wellbeing of our team members and offers a variety of benefits in support of our diverse employee base. We offer competitive remuneration packages which is determined by the specific role, location of employment and also the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Note: The availability, eligibility and design of the listed benefits may vary depending on the location. The final requirements for the individual use of our benefits are based on the company's internal policies and applicable law.

How to apply:

Apply now by sending us your application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copy of ID, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter as well as your contact details via our online form.

Please note:

Only applications sent via our online form shall be considered. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that a background check will be conducted as part of the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are considered for the position, BioNTech will conduct the background check through our service provider 'HireRight'. You will be informed accordingly by your BioNTech-Recruiter.

We are looking forward receiving your application.

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