Science Engagement Manager

Science engagement, providing the science that inspires our supporters

Science Engagement Manager 

£36,000 - £42,000 plus benefits 

Reports to: Senior Science Engagement Manager 

Directorate: ​Research & Innovation​ 

Contract: ​Permanent​ 

Hours: ​Full time 35 hours per week​  

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

Closing date: 27 April 2025 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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 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: Friday 16 and Monday 19 May

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. 

The Science Engagement Manager is a key role where you will work with fundraising teams to co-create and deliver compelling stories about Cancer Research UK’s research and its impact.

You’ll use various mediums from written content to presentations, events and interactive activities. Here are a couple of examples of some of the impactful work our science engagement team have done previously: Stand Up to Cancer, 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 some fantastic development opportunities such as the opportunity to be involved in cross-organisation project groups, presenting our work to internal and external audiences and training staff about our research. As part of a team of 17 Science Engagement specialists you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from your peers, giving and receiving feedback on your work to stretch and develop your science writing and engagement 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 attending events across the country to deliver fundraising pitches, talks at supporter events, interactive experiences, and training and inspiring fundraising colleagues.   

• 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 and keeping up to date with the latest developments. Using this knowledge to shape content ideas to maximise their impact, provide expert media opinion and ensure strategic goals are promoted.  

• Safeguarding Cancer Research UK’s brand and ensuring the accuracy of the charity’s science communications. This includes reviewing and editing content such as fundraising content for fundraising and mass marketing audiences.  

• 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 managing multiple stakeholders essential.  

• 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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk.    

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.  

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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk. 

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.