Job vacancy - Science Communications Officer

Alzheimer's Research UK, near Cambridge

Salary: circa £27K

Closing date: February 4 2018

 

Are you a passionate science communicator? Do you want to be a part of the UK’s leading research charity aiming to defeat dementia?

 

We are looking for someone with an excellent grasp of biomedical research to join our Science Media and Engagement team as a Science Communications Officer. The team works to confront misconceptions about dementia, increase awareness of ARUK’s brand and promote the charity’s research expertise. It also underpins many of our fundraising activities by providing accessible and engaging copy that inspires support for our work. You will work closely with teams throughout the charity to explain how ARUK’s research initiatives are bringing about ways to transform the lives of people living with dementia.

 

This is a creative and busy role with a focus on creating compelling communications copy for the wider Fundraising Directorate, providing accurate and swift media responses to breaking research news stories and engaging directly with supporters and the general public.

 

What you will be doing:

 

•           Work with the Science Communications Manager to implement communications programmes and initiatives.

•           Help devise and develop innovative and creative communications products, programmes and campaigns that engage the public across all ages and demographics.

•           Take a lead in supporting ARUK’s fundraising activities through the provision of timely and engaging research summaries and progress reports.

•           Work closely with the Research team and wider Fundraising teams to ensure that ARUK’s research portfolio, strategy and ambition is communicated to the public through a variety of channels including the website, blog, social media, newsletters, public meetings, science festivals and other events.

•           Support in the development of public-facing communications for our major research initiatives such as the Drug Discovery Alliance, Dementia Consortium, UK Dementia Research Institute and Insight 46.

•           Liaise with the Research and fundraising teams to find suitable projects, success stories and researchers for inclusion in public and donor-facing communications.

•           Liaise with and support researchers to host donor lab tours, give public-facing talks and attend events and cheque collections.

•           Contribute to ARUK’s proactive and reactive media communications relating to dementia research. Develop effective working relationships with relevant members of the media; respond promptly to queries, including out-of-hours queries (organised through an on-call rota, and occasional ad hoc), seek appropriate sign off.

 

What we are looking for:

 

•           Educated to degree level in the life sciences.

•           Experience of devising and implementing creative communications projects, events and campaigns.

•           Ability to identify and develop creative and engaging public communications opportunities emanating from scientific research.

•           Ability to understand complex research and translate it effectively for a lay audience.

•           Excellent journalistic skills and news sense.

•           Ability to communicate appropriately with people affected by dementia and their families.

 

For full details of the role and how to apply, please download the full job description here - https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/jobs/communications-officer-science-media-engagement/

 

Robin Brisbourne

Communications Manager – Science Media and Engagement

Alzheimer's Research UK – the UK’s leading dementia research charity

Press Office: 0300 111 5 666    Direct line: 01223 824568    Mobile: 07500 336132

www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

Twitter @ARUKnews

Facebook www.facebook.com/alzheimersresearchuk