Communication Specialist

ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden, the Netherlands and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ProQR is focused on the development of life changing RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 150+ enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer® RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), which is machinery present in all human cells to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.

Our Communications department is currently looking for a Communication Specialist (Full-time) to join our team.

The role:

This role develops content and coordinates company communication programs comprising a range of corporate, scientific, and employee communications initiatives for external and internal stakeholders, across multiple channels. Key areas of focus include internal/employee communications, managing our external website and social channels, and supporting our scientific communications initiatives.ProQR is seeking an outgoing, proactive team player who will support developing and executing the overall internal and external corporate communications strategy across a variety of channels. Key areas of focus include Internal/Employee Communications and Scientific Communications, as well as supporting our website and social channels and related content development. A critical success factor includes the ability to perform in a high-pressure environment and to be able to meet tight deadlines with the highest level of quality and accuracy. A healthcare industry background (or a science degree) is a priority for this role. Note: this role reports to a US-based manager, however, the role is on-site based in Leiden (NL), where the majority of the workforce is based.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to create, coordinate, schedule and/or distribute organizational announcements, and company internal and external announcements, company updates and related meetings, etc.;
• Support development of scientific and corporate communications, including drafting messaging documents, press releases, management Q&As, website content, social media content, fact sheets, interview briefs, and talking points.;
• Manage and enhance the effectiveness of employee communications channels, including Sharepoint intranet, company-wide update meetings, etc.;
• Develop and execute strategy for our corporate website, including maintenance (content, as well as infrastructure and security), in collaboration with IT, as well as identifying opportunities to update;
• Draft website content, working collaboratively with internal subject matter experts;
• Develop content strategy for our key social media channels and draft content to highlight our science and unique culture; develop editorial calendar, and stay abreast of new opportunities in the social media sphere;
• Support scientific communications, including data streamlining, disclosure review process, and competitive intelligence, as well as other related initiatives and projects;
• Other related duties as assigned by the VP Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs.

We expect our Communications Specialist to have/be:

• Minimum BA/BS; graduate degree in a scientific or health-related field is preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience working with communications in life sciences sector, such as a scientific communications agency, or a biotech company.
• Highly collaborative, proactive, and outgoing with excellent communication and writing skills. English fluency (verbal and written native or bilingual level) is required. Ability to understand and accurately communicate (written, verbal) scientific and clinical information to a variety of audiences, including with employees, scientists, investors, and other stakeholders in traditional or digital media formats.
• Experience managing digital/social media outreach and associated metrics. Experience effectively managing a website CMS.
• Knowledge of FDA and EMA regulations for industry communications with the public, media, and medical communities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and act as a team player while still functioning independently.
• Knowledge of MS Office applications, especially good at PowerPoint.

Skills and competencies that are required for making the difference:

• Analytical and accurate
• Creative thinker
• Flexible and resistant to change
• Hands-on mentality
• Pro-active attitude
• Team player
• Patient-oriented attitude
• Autonomous and coachable
• Being able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong project planning and management skills
• Being able to prioritize multiple tasks
• Critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Pro-active and pragmatic self-starter, with a result-oriented mindset
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English (Dutch is not mandatory but would be a plus)
• A nice person :)

ProQR as an employer

As an employer, we are a true believer of the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves, personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people, working well together in an environment in which they thrive, will do phenomenal and awesome things.

We are committed to ensure that no employee, candidate, or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and the contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization, with the following benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 30 vacation days
• An annual performance bonus
• Stock options
• A premium-free pension plan
• A commuting allowance
• A subsidized staff restaurant
• Unlimited (un)healthy snacks and drinks
• Employee events (boot camp, Rebel Café and other social events)

Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission? If so, we’re looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form.

You can contact Silvia Catellani via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions.