Science Communications Officer; Maternity Cover

Science Communications Officer (Maternity Cover)

This is an opportunity to take a strategic role in shaping how world-leading clinical trials research is communicated to patients, the public, and the scientific community.

The UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology brings together five expert research units: UCL Innovative Clinical Trials Unit (InCTU, formerly MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL), the Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Cancer Research UK/UCL Cancer Trials Centre, the PRIMENT CTU and the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Clinical Trial Innovation (CCTI).Across the Institute we design and deliver high-quality clinical trials, meta-analysis and epidemiological studies, across a range of diseases, that inform clinical practice globally.

We are committed to improving local, national and global health. Key areas of focus are continuing to deliver innovations in trial methodology to improve outcomes for patients, and training and developing the next generation of trialists. We work with academic collaborators in more than 60 countries worldwide and a significant number of commercial partners.

InCTU leads research addressing internationally important questions, primarily in infectious diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. A key goal is to deliver swifter and more effective translation of scientific research into patient and public health benefits. We achieve this by carrying out challenging and innovative studies. We work closely with MRC CCTI to develop and implement methodological advances in study design, conduct and analysis.

InCTU is a UKCRC registered trials unit.

You will own and deliver key elements of the Unit’s communications strategy, working directly with researchers whose work influences global clinical practice and health policy.

The role offers the chance to develop high-profile outputs and strengthen the real-world impact of cutting-edge methodology research.

The Science Communications Officer will focus on two areas of the Unit’s communication strategy.

You will lead two core areas:

• Public engagement and science communication: shaping and delivering content across digital channels, leading campaigns and storytelling aligned to strategic priorities
• Research impact communications: working with researchers to design and deliver targeted strategies, increasing visibility, reach and uptake of methodology research

You will have real autonomy, including chairing internal groups, shaping priorities, and influencing how research is communicated externally. You will be part of a globally recognised clinical trials community addressing major challenges in cancer, infectious diseases and public health.

This role offers:

• The chance to shape communications that influence real-world health outcomes
• A portfolio-enhancing leadership role at Grade 7
• A collaborative environment committed to research excellence and impact

We welcome:

• Secondments from within UCL
• Experienced candidates seeking a short-term strategic role.
• Applicants interested in potential future opportunities within the team/institute

As a candidate, you must have:

• Strong experience communicating complex scientific or medical research
• Excellent writing and editorial skills across formats and audiences
• Ability to anticipate future trends, adopt a broad perspective, and deliver high-quality outputs
• Confidence working with senior researchers and stakeholders

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday pro rata (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme:
  Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance Visit  to find out more.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: