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SciX Community Coordinator (Part-Time, Hourly Contract)

Overview

For decades, the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) has been an essential online digital library and research platform for the astrophysics community. ADS provides access to millions of scholarly publications, helping researchers discover, cite, and analyze scientific literature with powerful search and discovery tools.

Now, ADS is expanding beyond astrophysics with a new initiative: the Science Explorer (SciXplorer.org). SciX extends ADS’s capabilities to serve researchers in Planetary Science, Heliophysics, Earth Science, and Biological & Physical Sciences—providing tailored research tools and expanding access to scientific publications in these disciplines. Both SciX and ADS have been developed through a cooperative agreement with NASA by a staff based in Cambridge, MA at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.

To support this expansion, ScienceBetter Consulting is seeking a part-time Community Coordinator to work with the ADS/SciX team. This role will focus on user engagement, outreach, marketing, and science communication—helping SciX connect with its new research communities.

We are looking for a skilled science communicator with experience in user engagement, scientific community management, social media, and marketing—someone who can create compelling content, foster connections, and establish SciX as a valuable resource within these new SciX user communities.

Ideal candidates will have existing connections within NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) research communities, with a preference for individuals with a background in Earth Sciences.

This is a remote, part-time hourly contract position averaging 20 hours a week with flexible hours. The candidate will need to have flexibility to meet with the SciX team virtually during East Coast business hours.

Hourly Rate: $50 per hour, negotiable based on experience.

Key Responsibilities

User Engagement & Community Building

  • Actively engage with researchers and scientific communities to increase awareness and usage of SciX.
  • Develop engagement strategies tailored to different disciplinary communities, particularly in Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Biological & Physical Sciences.
  • Develop and implement strategies to enhance user engagement, including online discussions, webinars, and interactive content.
  • Identify and participate in relevant online forums, ensuring SciX is present where researchers are already discussing research tools and open science.
  • Work with the SciX staff team to gather feedback from users to improve services, usability, and outreach approaches.
  • Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, institutions, and researchers in SciX’s expanding disciplines.

Marketing & Social Media Outreach

  • Develop and implement a marketing and outreach strategy to increase SciX’s visibility and engagement.
  • Create compelling content for social media, newsletters, blog articles, and educational materials (e.g., user guides, screencasts, and training modules).
  • Manage and grow SciX’s social media presence, tailoring content to different research communities.
  • Monitor engagement metrics and user feedback to refine messaging and outreach efforts.

Event Planning & Facilitation

  • Plan and facilitate SciX engagement at conferences, including:
    • Organizing and leading workshops
    • Drafting and submitting presentation abstracts
    • Coordinating with NASA exhibit organizers
  • Aid in agenda development and facilitation of engaging advisory board meetings, workshops, and discussions, ensuring productive collaboration.
  • Travel to 1-4 scientific conferences &/or team meetings per year to represent SciX and build connections.

SciX Ambassador Program Leadership

  • Manage and support the NASA SciX Ambassador Program, ensuring sustained engagement with ambassadors across different scientific disciplines.
  • Plan key program events, including the summer Ambassador meeting.
  • Work closely with NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS) initiative to align efforts with NASA’s Open Science goals.

Candidate Qualifications

  • Proven experience in user engagement, scientific community management, and outreach
  • Strong background in marketing, social media strategy, and digital communications
  • Excellent writing skills for blogs, newsletters, social media, and marketing materials
  • Experience in event planning and facilitation, including workshops, advisory board meetings, and conference sessions
  • Familiarity with graphic design software, Google workspace, and GitHub
  • Familiarity with the ADS &/or SciX online library platforms (desirable)
  • Knowledge of NASA science communities and open science initiatives (desirable)
  • Established connections within the NASA Science Mission Directorate research communities, particularly in Earth Science (preferred)

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following materials as a single PDF document using the file naming format lastname.SciXjob to ScienceBetter Consulting at apply@sciencebetter.consulting with the subject line “SciX Community Coordinator Application”:

  1. A resume or CV highlighting relevant experience.
  2. A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your background aligns with the role.
  3. Links to relevant work samples (e.g., social media campaigns, blog posts, outreach materials, or event facilitation examples).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.