Research Communications Officer

Job Introduction

At Diabetes UK we are striving to help people live well and longer with diabetes and to cure or prevent the condition. We are the UK’s largest charitable funder of diabetes research because we know that we can’t realise our ambitions without research.  

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, organised and proactive individual with experience of communicating complex scientific topics to non-specialist audiences.  As a Research Communications Officer in the Research Directorate you will play a critical role in engaging staff, supporters and the public with diabetes research to maximise its impact and inspire people to support our life-changing work.   

Interviews: 20 or 21 October 2021

Role Responsibility

You will work to identify and showcase the incredible impact of Diabetes UK-funded research, as well support activities to promote the charity as an authoritative, reliable voice on diabetes science. Working collaboratively with colleagues in fundraising, marcomms and research and the research community, you will plan and deliver compelling, accessible and scientifically accurate research content in a variety of formats for a range of non-specialist audiences.  As a science communications expert, you will provide advice and support to teams across the charity to ensure all our communications about diabetes research are clear, accurate and effective. 

The Ideal Candidate

You are an enthusiastic, organised and proactive individual with experience of, and passion for, communicating complex scientific topics to non-specialist audiences. As a natural storyteller with a flair for writing you understand how to inspire and engage, and that the needs, knowledge and motivations of your target audience always come first. You have a background in science, a good knowledge of research methods, an ability to critique scientific papers, and an understanding of the diabetes research field.  You are skilled at building excellent working relationships and collaborating effectively within a team and across an organisation. You can plan and manage multiple streams of work and meet deadlines while ensuring a high attention to detail and accuracy in all your work. 

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,500 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For the 4.8 million people in the UK with diabetes, there’s no day off. So, at Diabetes UK, we’re leading the fight every day, campaigning for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.  

We are working to make sure that those affected by diabetes get the best care and support they need to live well with their condition and avoid life-changing complications.  We're leading the way by funding critical research, improving healthcare and treatment so we can reach our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

Diabetes UK staff are motivated and experienced and extremely passionate about helping people affected by diabetes.  We have been fighting for people with diabetes for more than 80 years and changed millions of lives thanks to the new treatments, technology and policy changes we've been behind.

But there's more to do.  And you can be part of it.

We're a diverse bunch and as a charity we recognise and respect the value of everyone.

We’re very excited to have been placed in the top 30 best UK charities to work for, and in the top 75 best large companies in London.

We're committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment.

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.  If you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To learn more about the work we do please visit our website

Diabetes UK