Outreach Specialist (Driver of Research PR & Co-innovation) - Mercari

Overview

• Employment Status: Full-time
• Work Hours: Flextime system (no core hours)
• Office: Roppongi

Join Mercari R4D, a research and development organization with a mission of "pioneering the path toward undiscovered value," focusing on real-world implementation. The Outreach Team drives research PR and co-innovation, building communications that connect R4D’s research with society.

Work Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out outreach strategy with researchers, the Research Program Management Team, and Mercari's corporate PR team
• Increase R4D awareness in Japan and overseas via communication and expanding co-innovation
• Increase cases of research and real-world implementation to help create the society Mercari aims for

Specific responsibilities include:

• Planning and carrying out outreach strategy
• Communicating research results, and planning and directing exhibits at conferences and events in Japan and overseas
• Writing press releases, and handling interviews, inquiries, and media relations
• Planning and operating owned media platforms (R4D website and social media)
• Driving research projects that originate from outreach
• Discovering new research themes and collaborators

Unique Challenges

• Contribute to Mercari's mission of circulating all forms of value and unleashing human potential through cutting-edge research
• Take on the challenge of implementing research in society
• Plan and execute long-term outreach for research not bound by conventional frameworks, with active collaboration across academia and industry
• Gain technical input from products used by up to 20 million users monthly

Qualifications

Required Experience/Skills

• Shared belief in the mission and values of Mercari Group and its various companies
• Shared belief in and sense of excitement regarding Mercari R4D's mission statement
• Experience in science communication or research PR, or work experience in PR, marketing, or branding
• Interest in research and development
• Ability to seamlessly advance discussions, communications, and other arrangements with researchers and stakeholders inside and outside the company
• Writing, negotiation, and presentation skills necessary to perform the work

Preferred Experience/Skills

• Experience in R&D or R&D support at a university, company, public institution, or other such organization
• Project management experience
• Experience in managing teams or organizations

Language

• Japanese: Independent (CEFR - B2)
• English: Independent (CEFR - B1) preferred
• Willingness to communicate in English (written and spoken)