Director, Content Development and Strategic Planning @ XBio Education Initiative

February 26, 2020
The Explorer’s Guide to Biology (“XBio”) presents biology through the lens of scientific inquiry
and discovery, and adopts a storytelling approach using a combination of text, illustration, and
video. We are dedicated to making XBio freely available to learners and educators around the world
through an online platform. More information on XBio can be found here:
www.explorebiology.org. XBio is a project of iBiology (www.ibiology.org), a non-profit
organization dedicated to the free, global dissemination of scientific knowledge in the life sciences.
iBiology is seeking a full-time Director of XBio who will lead the next phase of the XBio initiative.
This role is an opportunity to take the helm of a project that is aiming to reinvent the undergraduate
biology ‘textbook’. We are looking for someone who is passionate about our mission and social
equity, has experience with large projects with geographically dispersed teams, and gets excited by
developing creative and innovative solutions to challenges.
Responsibilities:
• Oversee the production pipeline for new Narrative, Key Experiments, and other
materials, which involves planning with leading scientists and editing their content.
• Manage the project timeline and budget of the XBio initiative.
• Develop strategies to evaluate XBio and implement changes based upon evaluation.
• Oversee the work of the XBio artist and other multimedia production contractors
and organize all media assets.
• Work with others at iBiology in producing new video content.
• Work with TNQ Technologies in further developing the online platform.
• Work with educators and contractors in producing associated classroom materials.
• Write about XBio for blogs, newsletters, and social media, and develop and implement
marketing ideas.
• Be a spokesperson for XBio in various venues, including national/international meetings.
Required Skills and Experience:
• Ph.D. in the biological sciences with at least 3 years of postgraduate work experience.
• Strong experience in either science communication or biology education, particularly at the
undergrad level.
• Prior experience in leading a project of comparable magnitude to XBio is highly preferred.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a track record of creatively communicating
ideas.
• Excellent management and communication skills. Proven relationship-building skills
with people from various backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Information:
• This role can be based anywhere in the US, however location in, or close to, either the
DC area or San Francisco is preferred.
• Salary commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package including medical,
disability, and 401(k).
• Start date before June 2020 preferred, but can be adjusted if needed.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to admin@explorebiology.org. Applicants must be
authorized to work in the US to be considered. iBiology is an Equal Opportunity Employer