Science Communication Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Stem cell science is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history. Decades of foundational research are now translating into clinical applications across a growing range of diseases — through new therapies, more predictive disease models, accelerated drug discovery, and a deeper understanding of human biology. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is the global scientific home of this field, and education is one of the most important ways we help clinicians, patients, and the public engage with its progress.

ISSCR is seeking a Program Manager, Clinical Readiness & Education to help shape how the medical community and the public understand the science and its real-world applications. The role translates rigorous, evolving science into education that informs clinical awareness, supports patient understanding, and reinforces public trust in legitimate research.

This role sits at the intersection of science and public understanding. It reports to the Director of Communications and works closely with the Scientific Director, serving as the primary staff lead for the ISSCR Education Committee.

Key Responsibilities

Clinician Education

• Lead ISSCR’s clinician education portfolio, including CME-accredited programs, with scope to evolve alongside the field
• Collaborate with faculty, academic partners, and clinical experts to develop educational content focused on disease areas, therapeutic approaches, and emerging applications of stem cell science
• Ensure programs reflect current scientific evidence and accreditation standards

Patient & Public Education

• Lead patient- and public-facing educational resources that build understanding of stem cell science and its clinical applications
• Develop content that clarifies what is established, what is emerging, and what remains uncertain — including the benefits, risks, and limitations of current research and therapies
• Help patients and the public recognize credible science and clinical research, and identify unproven or predatory offerings that misrepresent the field

Evidence Translation

• Translate emerging scientific evidence and ISSCR guidance into clear, accessible materials for both clinical and lay audiences
• Develop content across multiple formats, including courses, summaries, explainer content, and clinical resources

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with external partners including academic institutions, clinicians and key opinion leaders, industry collaborators, patient advocacy organizations, and patient communities
• Support collaborative educational initiatives and program expansion

Program Stewardship & Growth

• Manage a portfolio of initiatives, ensuring continuity and quality while identifying opportunities to expand reach and impact as the field advances
• Support funding and partnership development efforts

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support cross-functional programs across communications, scientific programs, meetings, publications, and membership to deliver and amplify program outputs
• Ensure consistency and alignment across educational and scientific initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• 4–6 years of experience in medical affairs, clinical education, CME, science communication, or related roles
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, MPH, or equivalent) preferred. Equivalent professional experience in medical affairs, CME, or science communication will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree
• Experience translating scientific or clinical content for clinician audiences and for non-specialist audiences such as patients or the public
• Strong understanding of clinical evidence, trial data, or translational pathways
• Experience working with external stakeholders such as KOLs, faculty, and advocacy partners
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and complexity to different audiences
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and a portfolio of concurrent initiatives

Preferred Experience

• CME or continuing medical education program development and accreditation
• Cell therapy, regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug discovery, or related fields
• Patient-facing or public-facing health education, health literacy, or science communication
• Supporting volunteer committees or expert advisory groups

Why This Role

Stem cell science is reshaping how we understand human biology and how we develop new approaches to treating disease. This role is an opportunity to help define how an entire field is understood — by the clinicians who will encounter it in practice, by the patients and families considering it, and by the public whose support sustains it. The position sits at the intersection of scientific substance and public understanding, with significant scope for impact and opportunity to take on increasing leadership responsibility as the program grows.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range commensurate with experience.

ISSCR offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance with 90% employer-paid premiums for individuals and 70% for families

• Full dental and vision coverage

• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability

• 401(k) with 4% employer match

• 20 days paid time off, plus paid holidays and summer Friday early dismissal

• Paid parental leave

• Professional development support

• Attendance at the ISSCR Annual Meeting and regional symposia

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