Program Manager, Scientific Outreach and Communications
Worcester, MA (On-site)
Posted 1 month ago
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Job Description
The RNA Therapeutics Institute (RTI) at UMass Chan Medical School seeks a candidate for the position of Program Manager, Scientific Outreach and Communications. Under the general direction of the Chair, Program Director, or designee, the Program Manager will support public engagement and outreach initiatives and scientific communications across RTI.
This role is responsible for coordinating STEM programming for the Worcester Public School (WPS) District and supporting faculty and trainees in the development of scientific materials, including fellowship and training grant applications. The Program Manager will work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, educators, and internal partners to advance outreach, education, and research communication efforts.
Responsibilities
- Clearly and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including students, educators, and community stakeholders
- Support the ScienceLIVE program by developing and implementing STEM curricula and activities for the Worcester Public School (WPS) District by:
- Assist in the creation of interactive and engaging content that aligns with the WPS frameworks and Next Generation Science Standards
- Coordinate and train faculty, staff, students, postdocs, and interns (trainees) involved in outreach programming
- Prepare materials for teachers to facilitate classroom activities and extensions
- Deliver STEM programming to elementary and/or middle school students and community engagement activities
- Maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including WPS and community organizations
- Contribute to initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in STEM education and training
- Develop lay summaries and outreach-focused content for broad audiences
- Provide organizational and project management support, including tracking timelines, deliverables, and program outcomes
- Assist in maintaining social media and other communication channels for public-facing science content
- Collaborate with scientific writers, faculty, and trainees to support preparation of fellowship applications, including:
- Edit application components (e.g., research statements, training plans, personal statements)
- Coordinate timelines, materials, and submission requirements
- Review content for clarity, consistency, and alignment with sponsor guidelines
- Support planning and execution of events, including workshops
- Assist in identifying funding opportunities and contribute to grant applications and reporting for outreach and training programs
- Perform other job duties as required
- Masters degree in a relevant scientific, health, or communications field
- Approximately 2–4 years of experience in scientific writing, research support, education, outreach, or program coordination
- Demonstrated experience with scientific writing and editing, including familiarity with grant or fellowship applications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor content to different audiences
- Experience using computer-based tools (Microsoft Office; familiarity with reference managers, basic design or web tools preferred)
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to think creatively and implement novel solutions
- Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative environment and interact with faculty, trainees, and staff at all levels of the organization
- Experience working with or supporting programs involving diverse populations
- PhD degree in a Biological Science field is preferred
- Experience supporting fellowship or training grant applications
- Background in STEM education, science outreach, or community engagement
- Familiarity with K–12 science standards (e.g., Next Generation Science Standards)
- Experience with manuscript or publication preparation
- Exposure to academic medical center or research institute environments
- Knowledge of and experience with equity-promoting pedagogies
The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
UMass Chan Medical School
At UMass Chan Medical School, it's not just what we do that makes us world-renowned. It's how we do it—together. We train the next generation of doctors, scientists and advanced practice nurses, lead groundbreaking research and clinical trials, and work to make our communities healthier. Our drive to collaborate and share knowledge creates important discoveries and inspires caregivers who put you first, offering hope for families struggling with ALS, cancer, diabetes and hundreds of rare diseases. Massachusetts’ first and only public academic health sciences center is made up of three graduate schools—advancing medicine, biomedical sciences and nursing, as well as two business divisions, ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School and MassBiologics. Perennially ranked among the top medical schools for primary care education by U.S. News & World Report, UMass Chan is also an international leader in biomedical research and has been named a Top Place to Work. ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School provides a wide range of care management and consulting services to government agencies, nonprofits and health care organizations, improving health care for people in need while maximizing revenue for clients and performing cutting edge research that impacts health policy. MassBiologics, the only nonprofit, FDA-licensed manufacturer of vaccines and biologics in the United States, improves public health through applied research, development and production of biologic products, including vaccines, plasma derivatives and monoclonal antibodies. At UMass Chan, our unique culture of inclusiveness and collaboration attracts some of the brightest students and faculty from around the world. Follow us to see how UMass Chan is advancing together.
