Science Communications Manager

Science engagement, providing the science that inspires support

Science Communications Manager (known internally as Science Engagement Manager)

£36,000 - £42,000 plus benefits

Reports to: Senior Science Engagement Manager

Directorate: Research & Innovation

Contract: Maternity cover 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office) and occasional national travel for events

Closing date: 11 August :55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact or as soon as possible.

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: Competency based interview, presentation and written task

Interview dates: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 August

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

The Science Communications Manager is a key role where you will work with fundraising, marketing and communications teams to co-create and deliver compelling stories about Cancer Research UK's research and its impact. This work is central to inspiring people to support the charity and to believe that we're the solution to beating cancer.

You'll use various mediums from written content to presentations, videos and interactive activities. Here's some examples of the impactful work the team have done previously: Stand Up to Cancer, Research Engine, Behind the Headlines and LungVax animation.

We're looking for someone with excellent science communication skills. You'll have the expertise and creative flair to produce accurate, inspiring, and relevant content and be able to communicate confidently with a wide variety of audiences. We're always looking for new ways to connect with our audiences so the more innovative you can be the better.

This role also offers development opportunities, such as being involved in cross-organisation project groups and access to organisation-wide personal development training. As part of a team of 17 science communications specialists you'll also have the opportunity to learn from your peers through our in-team core skills training, giving and receiving feedback on your work to stretch and develop your science storytelling skills.

What will I be doing?

• Creating impactful scientific stories by seeking out and distilling complex scientific information into engaging content that can inspire our diverse audiences to support Cancer Research UK's mission.
• Creating and delivering presentations, written summaries, video content, interactive activities and event experiences. This includes providing expert media opinion and attending occasional events and meetings across the country to deliver inspiring science talks.
• Evaluating the impact that content is having, using this to inform new content and concepts and to improve ways of working.
• Developing in-depth knowledge of Cancer Research UK's research portfolio and organisation priorities, keeping up to date with the latest developments and ensuring strategic goals are promoted. Using this knowledge to shape content ideas to maximise their impact and ensure they reflect the diversity of people affected by cancer and our research community.
• Safeguarding Cancer Research UK's brand and ensuring the accuracy of the charity's science communications. This includes reviewing and editing fundraising content.
• Developing close working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, gaining clear insights into the specific requirements and priorities of different audiences to identify and influence choice of appropriate content.
• Promoting the skills and expertise of the team to maintain and develop partnerships across the organisation.
• Working with key financial support teams to provide due diligence on selection of research options available for donor funding and advising fundraisers on restricted income.

What skills are we looking for?

• Excellent scientific knowledge essential. A higher degree (PhD or MSc) in biomedical or related field, or significant work experience in a scientific environment, desirable.
• A passion for and proven experience in delivering bold and creative science communications to different audiences essential.
• Demonstrable experience in collaborative project management and proven ability to build trust and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm and ability to keep up to date with the latest in cancer research essential.
• Some experience working with charity fundraisers desirable.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at .

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