At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications for groundbreaking research and engage diverse audiences with impactful storytelling.
- Company: Join Alzheimer’s Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to transforming dementia research.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in dementia research while developing your communication skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications or science communication, with strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office) The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring, and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, impact, and mission across all channels.
We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity – ensuring consistent, accurate, and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising, and organisational priorities.
We are seeking a Communications Manager, Research to join our Communications Team and line‑manage the Research Communications team.
The role leads the development and delivery of communications that promote and explain the charity’s research strategy, programmes, and scientific impact, acting as the primary communications partner to the Research Directorate.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership & Planning Lead the development of communications strategies and plans for major research programmes, including Blood Biomarker Challenge, Dementia Frontiers Fund, Clinical Accelerator, GRB, DDA, and research partnerships.
Act as the senior communications partner to the Research Directorate, advising on messaging, positioning, risks and opportunities.
Shape and maintain the overarching research narrative and storyline, feeding into organisational messaging, master slide decks and presentations.
Ensure research communications plans align with organisational strategy and cross‑team communications activity.
Delivery & Oversight Oversee the creation of key research communications materials: plans, FAQs, messaging documents, web content, reports and updates.
Ensure content is scientifically accurate, engaging and accessible for a range of audiences, including supporters, partners, researchers and policymakers.
Oversee communications planning around scientific conferences (e. g., AAIC, AD/PD), coordinating content production.
Work with the Content Team to deliver researcher‑friendly content and impact stories that articulate the charity’s scientific contribution.
Collaborate with Press, Content, Corporate Comms and Digital teams to ensure consistent messaging on research across all channels.
Act as a research communications expert internally, supporting colleagues who need scientific context, messaging or guidance.
Lead the planning and delivery of research‑specific social media content in partnership with digital colleagues.
Line‑manage, coach and develop members of the Research Comms team, ensuring high performance, prioritisation and skills development.
Translate broader departmental strategy into clear objectives and work plans for the team.
Provide guidance and support on complex communication tasks and ensure quality assurance across all team outputs.
Encourage continuous improvement in processes, systems and ways of working.
Provide input into setting budgets for research communications activity and work within allocated resources.
Identify communications risks around research announcements or projects and advise on mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.
Work with Metrics & Insights colleagues to set KPIs and evaluate performance of research communications activity.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Significant experience in communications, science communication or research engagement Scientific background or qualification Strong track record translating scientific information Experience managing staff or projects Experience advising senior stakeholders Strategic thinking Project management Ability to influence and build relationships Sound judgement Closing date for applications: 2nd August 2026.
We value diversity and are 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.
Any offer of employment is, however, subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.
Alzheimer's Research UK is a registered charity, numbers and SC . 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6AD #J-18808-Ljbffr
Communications Manager, Research in Cambridge employer: Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and fosters a culture of safety and compliance. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer continuous professional development opportunities in a supportive environment, ensuring that our team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the fight against dementia. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager, Research in Cambridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager, Research in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Alzheimer's Research UK. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Alzheimer's Research UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimer's Research UK
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
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We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
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As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
