Scientific Communications Intern

Job Title: Scientific Communications Intern
Employer: Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB), University of Iowa
Location: Biology Building East (hybrid eligible after training)
Position Type: Student hourly, 10–15 hours/week during academic terms; 20–30 hours/week optional in summer
Compensation: $16 hour
Start Date: May–June 2026 (flexible); preference for candidates available through Spring 2027
Eligibility: Current University of Iowa undergraduate (all majors welcome; Biology/Life Sciences, Journalism/Mass Comm, Marketing/Comm especially encouraged)

About DSHB

DSHB (Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank) is a leading supplier of antibodies and hybridomas (cell lines) for scientific research. We specialize in banking and distributing antibodies to the global scientific community, enabling researchers to advance their studies and make groundbreaking discoveries. We are dedicated to fostering collaboration, promoting open science, and supporting researchers by keeping essential research materials accessible. 

Learn more at dshb.biology.uiowa.edu.

Role Overview

Join DSHB’s small, mission-driven team to help translate new research into accessible content and visuals. You’ll monitor Google Scholar for papers citing DSHB products, draft social posts, assist with blog and newsletter content, and help request image permissions from authors. Training provided—this is a great role for a science-curious storyteller who wants a portfolio by the end of the year.

What you’ll do

Scientific Communication & Content

• Track new papers that cite DSHB antibodies/cell lines (via Google Scholar alerts) and log key details.
• Draft and schedule engaging posts for Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook using plain-language summaries and figures (with permissions).
• Draft 1 short blog post per week for the DSHBlog (expand social posts; mini-interviews with product users; adapt FAQ content).
• Assist with bi‑monthly email newsletter content planning (new antibodies/deposits, high-impact publications, featured labs).

Image Rights & Product Pages

• Email authors to request image-use permissions; track status; file assets appropriately.
• With training, update product pages with links and images; add alt text and captions in NetSuite.

Collaboration & Admin

• Maintain a shared content calendar and organize visual/assets folders.
• Coordinate with scientific curation and production teams to verify accuracy.
• Track basic performance metrics (post reach, blog views, newsletter clicks) and share simple insights.

You are

• A current UI student who writes clearly and enjoys translating technical info for broader audiences.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working to a content calendar.
• Familiar with major social platforms; Canva or basic Adobe experience is a plus.
• Curious about biosciences and willing to learn research basics (impact factor, figure captions, citations).

Nice to have (not required): experience with CMS tools, email marketing platforms, or basic image editing; prior lab coursework.

What you’ll gain

• A portfolio (social, blog, newsletter) and real-world editorial calendar experience.
• Training in NetSuite (asset uploads, product updates), Mailchimp, and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Exposure to academic publishing and image-rights workflows.
• 1:1 mentorship and cross-functional collaboration with DSHB teams.
• Hybrid work potential after ramp-up and demonstrated reliability.

How to apply

Submit (1) resume, (2) a brief cover letter (think of this as a writing sample), and (3) 2 drafted social posts summarizing a recent, science news item (include links to sources).

Priority deadline: April 30. Position open until filled.

DSHB is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.