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Director Science Communication Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

MSD

Director, Scientific Affairs

Rockville, MD · On-site +1

$174K - $272K/yr

Understand and communicate a narrative that the Company's products and services can impact customer research and drug development activities. * Keep abreast of scientific and competitor advancements ...

MSD

Director, Scientific Affairs

Rockville, MD · On-site +1

$174K - $272K/yr

Understand and communicate a narrative that the Company's products and services can impact customer research and drug development activities. * Keep abreast of scientific and competitor advancements ...

Gartner

Director, Data Science

Arlington, VA · Remote

The Director, Data Science will lead efforts across personalization, recommendation systems, and ... Strong communication skills to influence executives, translating complex analysis into compelling ...

Gartner

Director, Data Science

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Director, Data Science will lead efforts across personalization, recommendation systems, and ... Strong communication skills to influence executives, translating complex analysis into compelling ...

ICF

Director, Health Communications

Washington, DC · Hybrid

We are hiring a seasoned Director, Health Communications to work with our federal health clients on ... communication, health education, marketing, public relations, social sciences, or equivalent. * 12 ...

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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 Aug 9, 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?

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
Infographic showing various Director Science Communication job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,655 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Director, Scientific Affairs

MSD

Rockville, MD • On-site, Remote

$174K - $272K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for collaborating with the commercial team to identify revenue producing opportunities within MSD's customer base. Also responsible for working directly with recognized thought leaders and decision makers to identify their unmet needs and suggest innovative solutions and preparing and presenting MSD capabilities to the field. The incumbent will have an intimate understanding of the drug discovery process combined with strong scientific knowledge regarding utility of biomarker measurements.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Initiate frequent interactions with customers and collaborate with the sales and field application support teams on strategies to identify customer needs and provide guidance on how to maximize the use of MSD's product offering.
  • Collaborate with assay services sales team on strategies to expand the assay services business.
  • Identify and foster external collaborations with key opinion leaders and corporate partnerships in biotechnology, personalized medicine, the drug/pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics.
  • Identify and foster relationships with key decision makers in academia, non-profits, consortia, and government.
  • Promote Company's reputation as a biomarker leader and enabler for the scientific community.
  • Act as MSD spokesperson at conferences to deliver key information about MSD products and services. Host internal and external seminars/webinars, as needed.
  • Generate content to advertise Company's expertise, including presentations, web content, blogs, editorials, etc. Ensure content is current on literature, webinars, conferences, and pharma/clinical business news.
  • Understand and communicate a narrative that the Company's products and services can impact customer research and drug development activities.
  • Keep abreast of scientific and competitor advancements in the marketplace. Share expertise and best practices with internal clients, peers, and others across the company as appropriate.
  • Gather and compile information about the unmet needs for biomarker measurements and determine strategies for MSD to develop products/services to address them.
  • Ensure all activities are logged in MSD's database of customer information.
  • Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, Pharm. D.) in a biological sciences discipline
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in pharma or biotech, leading drug development projects

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Comprehensive understanding of the pharma industry and its current and future needs.
  • Comprehensive understanding of one or multiple research areas including Immunology, Neuroscience, Metabolic, Infectious Disease, and Vaccines.
  • Thorough understanding of the principles of biomolecule detection assays, their development and their applicability in different research fields. Superior competency in scientific fundamentals.
  • Superior communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.)
  • Strong business acumen, negotiation and mediation skills, as well as a demonstrated attention to detail and a focus on achieving quality outcomes. Ability to build/foster relationships.
  • Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.
  • Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes.
  • A professional presence and strong interpersonal skills for interacting in a courteous, timely, and diplomatic manner with all levels of employees as well as external parties.
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills.
  • Ability to travel with some overnight stays.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position is performed in a remote/home office environment, when on travel the environment can vary.
COMPENSATION SUMMARY:
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $174,100 to $272,100. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please click on the following link: https://www.mesoscale.com/en/our_company/careers/equal_employment_opportunity_statement.
Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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