Policy Advisor - Science

POLICY ADVISOR – SCIENCE

Salary: up to £36,225 per annum plus benefits

Reports to: Policy Manager (Science)

Department: Policy, Information and Communications

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford w/ high-flex (1 – 2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: Sunday 13 April 23:55

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 [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. 

Interviews: Approximately w/c 21 April 2025

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

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
 

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving lives through research. CRUK’s vision is to bring about a world where everybody can lead longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer – by preventing more cancers, detecting and diagnosing cancers more quickly, and treating them in more effective, kinder and targeted ways. To achieve this, it is essential that we keep cancer high on the political agenda in the UK and beyond.
 

We are looking for a Policy Advisor (Science) to monitor the external policy environment and identify, research and develop key public policy positions on issues related to the relevant policy area alongside opportunities to support work across the team. This role will work on a range of science and research policy areas including harnessing data for research and supporting the research funding environment. Further to this, you’ll advise on and communicate the charity's positions to Government, policy-makers and other stakeholders, including the public, through responses to consultations, published reports, external representation, online and social media.
 

What will I be doing?

• Identifying, researching and developing positions on policy issues important to Cancer Research UK

• Communicating the charity’s position on policy issues to government, policymakers and other stakeholders, for example through written reports, briefings, responses to consultations and policy statements

• Developing and contributing specialist expertise in issues relevant to your policy area

• Ensuring that relevant internal audiences are kept up-to-date with policy developments and feed in to the work of the policy team  

• Building links with policy, healthcare professionals and research communities to assist with the development of evidence-based policy positions and research proposals

• Acting as a representative of Cancer Research UK to a range of external stakeholders, including Government, academics, think tanks, charities and professional bodies

• Keeping up to date with policy developments, support the influencing of policy and identify policy issues that have the potential to form the basis of advocacy campaigning

• Working across the Policy and Public Affairs Teams to ensure integrated policy and public affairs activity, working closely with the public affairs and campaigning teams.

What skills will I need?

• Proven ability to identify and solve a range of problems with minimal guidance

• Proven ability to work autonomously; the post holder will receive a moderate level of supervision and direction from the Policy Managers

• Ability to manage workload and prioritise day-to-day tasks to meet deadlines

• Excellent writing skills with an ability to produce high quality briefings in a short period of time, as well as longer more detailed pieces of work

• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate to internal and external stakeholders. The post holder will need to explain information clearly and encourage colleagues to understand different points of view.

• Proven ability to contribute to the development of strategy

• Understanding of the UK’s political system, Government departments, arms-length bodies and the policy environment

• Strong analytical and research skills

• Good interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills.

What will I gain?
 

Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive.
 

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well.
 

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.
 

We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.
 

Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.
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 quickly, fairly, and objectively.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

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. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.