Job Description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Princess Margaret Research, MaRS South Tower
Department: UHN Research
Reports to: Senior Manager
Salary Range: $78, 954 - $118, 424 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Day
Status: Permanent Full-time
Closing Date: June 30, 2026

The Science Communications Specialist will work within an exciting multidisciplinary international research initiative focused on accelerating and democratizing the early stages of drug discovery to advance human health. The role will develop and execute communications strategies that support the project's ambitious scientific and organizational goals while helping raise awareness and engagement across diverse stakeholder groups.

Working closely with researchers, scientific leadership, and external partners, the Science Communications Specialist will translate complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging communications for a range of audiences and help communicate the impact of collaborative, open-science approaches to drug discovery across academia, industry, government, philanthropic organizations, and the broader scientific community.

The Science Communications Specialist will create and coordinate internal and external communications materials, including storytelling, presentations, reports, digital content, and research-related messaging, and will support outreach, engagement, and knowledge mobilization activities across the global project network.

Apply now and help us redefine how new medicines are discovered!

Duties

• Develop and execute communication plans to support organizational goals
• Create engaging content for web, social media, presentations, reports, and other communication materials
• Support media relations activities and respond to external communications inquiries
• Plan and coordinate outreach initiatives, including public events, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge mobilization activities
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics to improve outreach effectiveness
• Support branding and visual identity efforts across all channels
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and translate scientific content for diverse audiences
• Maintain and update project website content, digital assets, and online communication platforms
• Prepare reports, presentations, promotional materials, and impact stories
• Assist with crisis communication and reputation management
• Build relationships with project partners, collaborators, and media contacts
• Contribute to strategic planning and evaluation of communication efforts
• Coordinate the planning, promotion, and delivery of virtual and in-person events, including webinars, workshops, scientific meetings, and public engagement activities

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary degree in a scientific discipline relevant to biomedical research, drug discovery, life sciences, chemistry, or related fields, required
  • Master's degree or PhD an asset
• Minimum 5 years of experience in science communications, outreach, or public engagement roles required
• Proven ability to develop and implement communication strategies, especially related to scientific content.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for diverse audiences and platforms
• Experience managing social media accounts and digital content
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment with evolving needs
• Ability to coordinate events and outreach activities
• Knowledge of web content management systems and analytics tools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities
• Excellent digital and technology skills are required, including experience using online collaboration and communication platforms such as SharePoint, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Canva, and emerging LLM/AI-enabled tools to support coordination, communications, and research development activities
• Skilled in graphic design and multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
• Proactive, adaptable, and resourceful, with a strong “can do” attitude and initiative

Additional Information

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals and researchers in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.