Communications Specialist II

Job Description

Turn groundbreaking science into stories that move people.

The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is seeking a Communications Specialist II to help tell the story of some of the most advanced research taking place in the world of high-energy-density physics, laser science, fusion research, and national scientific innovation.

Located in Rochester, NY, LLE is home to the OMEGA Laser Facility , one of the world’s leading high-power laser research facilities. Our work brings together scientists, engineers, students, technical experts, and research partners to explore fundamental questions in physics and advance technologies with far-reaching scientific implications.

We’re looking for a communicator who can step comfortably between the laboratory, the research community, University leadership, external partners, funding agencies, and the public — translating complex scientific work into clear, compelling stories.

What you’ll do

• Develop strategic communications that advance LLE’s scientific mission and priorities

• Identify and develop compelling stories about research, people, discoveries, and impact

• Interview scientists, engineers, students, technical staff, and leadership and turn their work into engaging narratives

• Translate highly technical and scientific concepts for both expert and nontechnical audiences

• Create content for websites, publications, email campaigns, social media, and other communications channels

• Develop messaging tailored to audiences ranging from researchers and collaborators to funding agencies and elected officials

• Collaborate with scientists, program leaders, creative professionals, web teams, and University partners

• Help ensure that LLE’s communications are accurate, polished, consistent, and aligned with University standards

• Build relationships across LLE and the broader University community to support major communications initiatives

Who you are

You’re an accomplished communicator who enjoys learning how things work — and then figuring out how to explain them in a way that makes other people care.

You can interview a scientist about highly specialized research, identify the story within the science, and communicate its significance without sacrificing accuracy. You’re equally comfortable writing for a scientific audience, a University audience, or someone encountering the research for the first time.

A bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience are required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience communicating science, engineering, technology, research, higher education, or other complex technical subjects is highly relevant.

Why LLE?

At LLE, communications isn’t simply about promoting an organization. It’s about helping people understand why the science matters .

You’ll work alongside researchers and technical experts whose work spans laser science, fusion, high-energy-density physics, and related fields — and you’ll have the opportunity to bring that work to audiences far beyond the laboratory.

If you’re a strong writer, a curious interviewer, a thoughtful storyteller, and someone who enjoys turning complex ideas into compelling narratives, we’d like to hear from you.

Rochester, New York

️ University of Rochester — Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Full-time | Regular

$61,000–$85,400

Join a team where the science is extraordinary — and help tell the world why.

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