About the BIIE
The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is an independent Swiss research institute advancing immune engineering to improve the health of children and adolescents, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The Institute brings together expertise across immunology, bioengineering, computational biology and artificial intelligence, combining fundamental research with a focus on translating scientific discoveries into practical and accessible health solutions. Established through the initiative of Fondation Botnar, the BIIE is a young and growing international research institute based in the Basel region.
Position Overview
We are seeking a creative, proactive and versatile Communications Officer to help bring the research, people and mission of the BIIE to a wide range of audiences.
Reporting to the Head of Communications & Institute Relations, and working closely with scientific and administrative colleagues across the institute, you will help translate complex scientific topics and lead the planning and execution of a broad range of communications activities.
This is a hands-on role, covering digital communications, content creation, internal communications, events and the production of institutional materials. You will take responsibility for content management on the BIIE's website and the Institute’s LinkedIn channel, and the organisation of internal and external events.
Key Responsibilities
Content Creation
- Develop, write, edit and design engaging content for different audiences and channels, including news articles, press releases, newsletters, presentations, flyers and institutional materials.
- Work with scientists and colleagues across the Institute as well as partner organisations to identify compelling stories and translate complex scientific topics into clear, accessible content.
- Coordinate the production of visual and multimedia content, including photography, video and graphics.
Website & Social Media
- Further develop and manage the day-to-day content of the BIIE website, ensuring it remains accurate, engaging and up to date.
- Plan and coordinate digital content through an editorial calendar, proactively identifying opportunities for storytelling.
- Monitor digital performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Internal Communications
- Develop and maintain effective internal communications channels to keep employees informed, connected and engaged.
- Create and coordinate internal news, announcements and other communications materials.
- Support all-staff meetings and other internal activities that strengthen the BIIE community and foster a shared institutional identity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Events
- Support media relations activities, including media enquiries, press materials, media lists and monitoring.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities, coordinating visits and meetings, and maintaining institutional contacts in a dedicated CRM.
- Plan and coordinate internal and external BIIE events, including scientific events, stakeholder events, visits and institutional activities.
- Manage event logistics and communications, including invitations, programmes, briefings, promotional materials and follow-up activities.
Communications Strategy & General Support
- Support the Head of Communications & Institute Relations in establishing and implementing the BIIE's Communications and Institute relation Strategy and related priorities.
- Ensure consistent application of the BIIE's key messages, tone of voice and visual identity across communications activities and materials.
- Support the planning, coordination and implementation of communications projects and campaigns across the Institute.
Required Qualifications
Essential
- University degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.
- At least 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in communications, science communication, journalism or a related role.
- Excellent writing and editing skills in English and German.
- Experience creating and managing content in particular for digital channels.
- Ability to understand complex scientific topics and translate them into accurate, accessible and engaging content for wider audiences.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Ability and confidence to work directly with leading scientists and subject-matter experts.
- A proactive, collaborative and hands-on working style, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and growing organisation.
Preferred
- Background or professional experience in academia, life sciences, pharma, biotechnology, global health or another field relevant to the BIIE.
- Experience with website content management systems and digital analytics.
- Experience with visual communications and design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva.
- Experience producing or commissioning photography, video or other multimedia content.
- Additional languages apart from English and German.
- Experience working in an international and multicultural environment.
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