Research & Communications Officer

Date Posted: 07/03/2026

Req ID: 49180

Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Department: Donnelly Centre

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Position Number: 00046833

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description

About us

Home to over 40 departments and institutes, the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine lies at the heart of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network and is a global leader in ground-breaking research and education, spanning clinical medicine, basic science and the rehabilitation sciences sectors.

Your opportunity:

Within Temerty Medicine, the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research is an interdisciplinary research institute where scientists make fundamental discoveries in biology to improve health. The centre houses 35 research labs and over 400 researchers. Our faculty, staff, and trainees apply cutting-edge tools in genome research, regenerative medicine, engineering, microfluidics, and computational biology, ultimately to gain new insights about how the human body works. Founded in 2005, the Donnelly Centre is globally recognized as a leading biomedical research hub thanks to landmark discoveries in genetics, stem cells, and the molecular basis of disease, as well as state-of-the-art tools in the analysis of large-scale datasets.

As Research & Communications Officer, you will deliver world class communications content that effectively promotes the Centre’s impact to a diverse range of stakeholders. Working closely with the Director, Research Operations and Strategy you will shape and execute strategies that advance the Donnelly Centre’s research and education mission, while effectively supporting its research and initiatives. In addition to translating complex science into compelling stories, you will contribute to grant and proposal development, plan workshops and events, develop youth science outreach programming, and disseminate information about research funding programs and opportunities to the broader research community. Your stewardship of our web and social media platforms, as well as your ability to create engaging written and visual content, will foster trusted relationships and produce impactful material that advances the Centre’s goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing communication, marketing, and digital media plans that support strategic objectives, including social media procedures and best practices
• Writing, editing, and producing a range of content, including copy, news and feature stories, key messages, speeches, and materials for marketing and promotions
• Researching, developing, and recommending story ideas that advance institutional priorities and initiatives
• Pitching strategically valuable stories and coordinating outreach materials to enhance visibility and engagement
• Producing and editing promotional, outreach, and informational materials such as brochures, newsletters, websites, handbooks, and external publications
• Conducting interviews with leaders, faculty, staff, and students, ensuring all content aligns with brand identity guidelines
• Supporting funding and research-related activities by coordinating application processes and writing/editing proposal content, while staying informed on funding opportunities and deadlines
• Conceptualizing, planning, and executing events, workshops, and programming that support strategic initiatives

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in science or in a related field or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years’ experience in scientific research communications, public relations, or media
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies and plans
• Demonstrated experience translating scientific material and writing content, developing themes, and maintaining consistent brand identity for multiple audiences and platforms, including print, online (including digital websites), and social media platforms
• Experience designing and deploying digital materials (such as newsletters, social media and web content), working with digital metrics, and maintaining and updating websites
• Experience managing social media platforms including building active engagement, expanding reach, and using analytics and strategy to report on social media effectiveness
• Experience planning and executing outreach strategies, workshops, and events
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders writing clear case for support material and generating targeted research proposals, funding applications, and submission materials
• Experience building and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, marketing and communications software (Envoke, Mailchimp), Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere/Rush), and social media
• Strong research, writing, proofreading and journalistic skills with a strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling
• Ability to assimilate, interpret, translate, and distill scientific research from primary sources into captivating, engaging and enlightening communications for a variety of audiences
• Analytical and problem-solving ability. Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Superior fact-checking, and proofreading skills with a strong portfolio of writing that is clear, accurate and compelling
• Proven organizational skills, ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities, manage multiple projects concurrently, and complete work in required time frames
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial work environment

Assets (Nonessential):

• Master's Degree in a scientific field

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Articulate
• Communicator
• Organized
• Team Player

Closing Date: 07/20/2026, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:

USW Pay Band 13 -- $86,340. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $110,415. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Recruiter: Callum Ferguson

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.