Scientific Digital and Visual Specialist

The Scientific Digital and Visual Specialist will elevate the visibility and impact of Meharry's research enterprise. This role integrates scientific storytelling, grant writing, visual design, and digital strategy to translate complex research into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences. The Scientific Digital and Visual Specialist will ensure that institutional research is visually engaging, strategically distributed, and optimized for digital performance, leveraging modern design tools and digital platforms to strengthen national visibility and reputation. The Scientific Digital and Visual Specialist will contribute to Meharry’s research enterprise through non-scholastic dissemination of Meharry research and innovation outputs.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) – Assign a percentage to each essential function (equal to 100%):

Scientific Visual Storytelling

• Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging visual formats
• Design high-quality: Infographic,Graphical abstracts,Social media visuals, Executive-level presentation materials,Booklets, Flyers,Academic Magazine.
• Utilize design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, or equivalent platforms
• Enhance scientific narratives through visual clarity and storytelling.

Digital Content Strategy & Distribution

• Execute a strategic content distribution plan aligned with institutional priorities
• Ensure consistent and timely publishing within a structured content pipeline
• Leverage digital tools such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar platforms for scheduling and distribution
• Utilize tools such as Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, and SEO platforms (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs)
• Develop and maintain a content performance dashboard
• Optimize content for visibility and discoverability (SEO and platform best practices). Ensure research content is easy to find, clearly presented, and reaches the right audiences across digital platforms

Brand & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all visual and digital outputs align with institutional brand standards and narrative themes
• Maintain a high level of design quality and consistency across platforms
• Collaborate with communications and research teams to ensure accuracy and alignment
• Pursue training and development relevant to responsibilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Excellent skills in writing clear, engaging, and persuasive text appropriate to target audiences, while ensuring adherence to sponsor's guidelines.
• Good attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective verbal and written communication.
• Utilize design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, or equivalent platforms
• Utilize tools such as Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, and SEO platforms (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs)
• Familiarity with federal research agencies, especially NIH.
• Knowledge of federal policies pertinent to federal grants and proposals.
• Familiarity with the academic research environment.
• Effective collaboration skills.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Receptive to constructive criticism
• Demonstrated skills in organizing, prioritizing and scheduling complex work assignments.
• Knowledge of common computer application programs (e.g., office software, spreadsheets, databases, web CMS)
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain  confidentiality.Experience integrating biological domain knowledge with quantitative methods.
• Familiarity with federal research agencies, including NIH and NSF.
• Knowledge of federal policies pertinent to federal grants and proposals.
• Familiarity with the academic research environment.

Education and Experience Required:

• PhD or advanced degree in scientific communications, and Biomedical Sciences. Advanced degree in a health-related science field, communications, journalism, English, or closely related field, or compelling equivalent of experience or training.
• Experience in developing and maintaining online resources and tools