Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

The CERN Press Office is the focal point for media worldwide interested in CERN. It is part of CERN?s Media and Digital Communications (PRD) section in the Education, Communications and Outreach (ECO) group in the International Relations (IR) sector. Its mission is to deliver CERN?s key messages to global media and manage the image and reputation of the Laboratory. The Press Office develops and implements media engagement, welcomes journalists and media representatives, prepares and distributes press releases, provides media monitoring and training, and deals with crisis communication within CERN.

For more information about CERN Press office activities see here: https://home.cern/press.

Job Description

As a Press Officer, you will be part of a team that manages the interface between CERN and the media worldwide. You will play a pivotal role in promoting CERN?s research findings, achievements and initiatives to the media and the public. You will work closely with scientists, journalists, influencers, other media representatives, and internal stakeholders to craft compelling narratives and manage media relations.

Under the supervision of the Senior Press Officer you will:

• Contribute to the development, and manage the implementation of, media strategies to effectively communicate scientific research and other CERN activities to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and consistent messaging across all communications channels.
• Cultivate relationships with key media contacts and stakeholders to foster positive connections and maximize coverage opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison between CERN and journalists, responding to their inquiries and facilitating interviews with researchers and experts.
• Draft and distribute press releases, briefing notes, statements and other materials highlighting CERN?s scientific and other achievements.
• Organize press conferences, briefings, and media visits and events to showcase key research findings and promote public engagement with science.
• Monitor and evaluate digital activities of the Press Office to showcase the impact.
• Take part in the Crisis Communication Group in the event of crisis.
• Share resources and assist with other activities related to media and digital communication as requested.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Sciences or in Communications or a related filed with a strong understanding of research methodologies and scientific principles.

Additional Information

Experience:

• Proven experience in science communication, public relations, or journalism, preferably within a scientific or academic setting.
• Extensive experience in writing and editing, with the ability to distill complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging content for non-expert audiences.
• Familiarity with media relations tools and platforms for maximizing outreach and engagement.
• Experience in evaluation and monitoring digital communication activities.

Technical competencies:

• Media relations: act as a liaison between our organization and journalists, responding to their inquiries and facilitating interviews with researchers and experts.
• Event organisation and management of press conferences, briefings, media visits and events.
• Drafting and writing of official documents: press releases, briefing notes, statements and other materials highlighting our organization’s scientific achievements in addition to daily correspondence with journalists.
• Science communications: passion for science, curiosity about new discoveries, and a commitment to promoting scientific literacy and understanding.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: Has a structured and organized approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; delivers high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; is rigorous and produces quality results at first attempt by having a structured and organised approach towards work.
• Communicating effectively: Delivers presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusts style and content to the audience; responds calmly and confidently to questions; leverages support networks across the Organization.
• Working in teams: Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships; works well in groups and readily fits into a team; participates fully and takes an active role in team activities.
• Working in the Interest of the Organization: Accepts and complies with strategy and directions from hierarchy; behaves consistently with CERN’s values and goals; demonstrates an awareness of how CERN works; promotes synergy and cooperation between the various parts of the Organization.
• Demonstrating flexibility: Is willing to work on different projects simultaneously; adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 12.01.2025 11:45pm CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

This position involves:

• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IR-ECO-PRD-2024-198-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional