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1. Overall responsibility for developing the All-Ireland SMC’s capability to respond to science news stories in Ireland. 2. Identify and recruit scientists to the All-Ireland SMC database. Ensure they have proven expertise in their specialist field and support them to engage with the news media. 3. Work closely with scientists and science press officers at relevant organisations to develop good working relationships. 4. Monitor the news across Ireland and build an understanding of science issues of public interest. 5. Develop good working relationships with journalists at major Irish news outlets and create press lists of journalists who have signed up to receive SMC alerts. 6. Gather and issue comments from scientists to breaking science news or news with a science angle. 7. Gather and issue comments from scientists on new research findings. 8. Ensure the effective handling of media enquiries. 9. Liaise with relevant press office teams in the UK and other global SMCs. 10. Monitor the success and output of the All-Ireland SMC, including producing coverage reports for scientists and journalists. 11. Report regularly on the progress of the All-Ireland SMC to key stakeholders and supporters, including the funders and Advisory Group. 12. Representing the All-Ireland SMC at speaking engagements or events as required 13. Participate in out-of-hours media work as and when required. 14. Any other tasks that reasonably fall into the remit of the Senior Press Officer Skills required: At least 5 years’ experience in a busy science press office or similar science journalism or science communication environment Experience developing or running major projects A science (or other relevant) degree A proven interest and broad knowledge of scientific subjects, and the way they are covered in the news media A proven understanding of the Irish science and media landscapes Excellent communication skills Experience reading scientific papers and of simplifying complex scientific information for a lay audience Experience developing and maintaining a database Excellent IT skills Excellent time management and organisational skills Ability to work under pressure in an extremely busy environment Ability to deal with conflict when it arises Ability to handle high profile controversial and sensitive information with discretion and diplomacy Ability to multi-task and perform a range of tasks at speed Confident self-starter who can work on own initiative Personal commitment to the values, vision and objectives of the Science Media Centre • Commitment to quality and best practice in all aspects of the All-Ireland SMC’s activities Evidenced commitment to equality and diversity