Research Communications Specialist

About the role

NYU Abu Dhabi is seeking a Research Communications Specialist who reports to the Assistant Director, Digital Engagement and Marketing. The role supports the External Relations and Communications team by producing clear, engaging written content for internal and external channels, including news stories, features, op-eds, social media copy and video scripts. It works closely with colleagues to communicate the university's mission, research, events and academic achievements, with a focus on science literacy and consistent tone.

Key responsibilities

• Translate complex research findings and scientific concepts into accessible content while preserving meaning and nuance
• Verify research claims, data, terminology and context with researchers before publication, and avoid overstating significance
• Write news stories, features, social media captions, video scripts, web copy and newsletters
• Identify and develop stories about faculty, student, staff and alumni research, including interviews and multimedia angles
• Adapt tone and detail to each audience and channel, and link research to current affairs and global issues
• Manage multiple assignments and tight editorial deadlines
• Assist with editing, proofreading and formatting; support photography and video production and data analysis and reporting
• Work with communications colleagues, academic departments and administrative units, and maintain editorial calendars and briefing materials

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a related field
• More than 3 years of professional writing experience, ideally in an agency, newsroom, nonprofit or university setting
• Excellent written English with strong grammar, storytelling and copy-editing skills
• Proactive, able to manage several assignments and deadlines
• An interest in higher education and research is a plus

Required skills

• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms (e.g. CMS, social media schedulers) is an advantage
• Preferred: experience writing research content on topics such as space science, health, life sciences, AI, clean energy and heritage and culture
• Preferred: fluency in additional languages, especially Arabic, and familiarity with shorthand, SEO and digital content optimization