At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform complex research into engaging stories and experiences for diverse audiences.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, a leader in cardiovascular research.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to improving heart health for everyone.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting life-saving research with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in science communication and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about bringing science to life and making complex research accessible and inspiring to a wide range of audiences? At the British Heart Foundation (BHF), our research is at the heart of everything we do. With an active research portfolio of more than £400m, we fund world-class cardiovascular research that helps save and improve lives. We’re looking for a Research Engagement Officer to help turn complex science into compelling stories, engaging experiences and accessible content that inspires people to understand, support and champion our work.
About the role
In this varied and impactful role, you’ll help connect BHF’s life saving research with the people who can share, support and champion it. Through engaging internal activity, you’ll build knowledge and confidence across our teams, enabling colleagues and volunteers to talk about our research with clarity and impact. At the same time, you’ll source and shape compelling, accurate research stories for use across fundraising, marketing and communications. Alongside this, you’ll support events and public engagement activity, working closely with researchers and colleagues across BHF to bring our research to life for a wide range of audiences.
Responsibilities
- Deliver engaging internal talks, events and activities for colleagues and volunteers.
- Turn complex science into clear, compelling and accurate content in collaboration with wider research engagement and medical team.
- Develop and improve our internal research engagement hub, keeping content relevant and easy to navigate.
- Act as a trusted point of contact for teams looking to include research stories or researchers in their activity.
- Support public engagement and events, while building strong relationships with our researcher community to maximize engagement and fundraising opportunities.
About you
You’ll be a confident communicator who can make complex research clear, engaging and meaningful for different audiences. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, building relationships and spotting opportunities to bring ideas to life.
Qualifications
- Experience delivering science communication or research engagement activity, events or content.
- Ability to translate complex research into clear, engaging messaging for different audiences.
- Experience creating high-quality content for non-specialist audiences (e.g. web, blogs, engagement materials).
- Strong stakeholder manager and relationship-building skills, with confidence working with colleagues, researchers and senior stakeholders.
- A proactive, organised approach with strong project or event management skills.
- A degree, PhD or equivalent experience in biological or medical sciences; experience in cardiovascular research and science communication qualification would be beneficial but is not essential.
Belonging at BHF
We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Working arrangements
This is a fixed term contract until 30 July 2027 covering a secondment. This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Benefits and development
At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth. If you need help balancing your work and home life, talk to us about the flexibility available at the application or interview stage.
Research Engagement Officer in London employer: British Heart Foundation
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engagement Officer in London
✨Leverage University Connections
If you're still at uni or have recently graduated, tap into your university's career services and research departments. They often have leads on temporary research roles, internships, or projects that haven’t been widely advertised yet!
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Join online forums and local meetups specific to your research area. Platforms like ResearchGate or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for finding short-term research opportunities and connecting with fellow researchers who might know of openings.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional portfolio showcasing your research work or projects. This doesn’t have to be fancy; a simple website or a well-organised LinkedIn profile can make you stand out to potential employers like British Heart Foundation.
✨Apply through Our Website!
Remember to check out the openings on our website. Applying directly for roles like the Research Engagement Officer at British Heart Foundation shows your enthusiasm and makes you more visible to hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engagement Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills:For a temporary role in scientific research, it’s key to highlight your hands-on experience and skills. Use your CV to detail any relevant projects or experiments you’ve worked on, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and techniques you've mastered. Don’t forget to mention any lab techniques or tools that you’re familiar with – this can really set you apart!
Highlight Your Adaptability:Since this is a temporary position, employers like British Heart Foundation will want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to quickly grasp new concepts and fit in with diverse teams. Give examples of past experiences where you had to adapt swiftly, as it shows you’re ready for any challenges the research might throw at you.
Academic Credentials Matter:Make sure your academic background shines through, especially any relevant degrees, certifications, or publications. If you’ve been involved in conducting research, definitely bring that up! It’s important to demonstrate your theoretical foundations and any formal recognitions you've received in the scientific field.
Include References from Previous Researchers:Having strong references can make all the difference in a temporary role in scientific research. If you can, include references from previous supervisors or professors who can vouch for your research capabilities and work ethic. This adds credibility to your application and gives British Heart Foundation assurance of your skills and professional behaviour.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Heart Foundation
✨Understand the Research Landscape
Dive deep into the specific area of scientific research that British Heart Foundation focuses on. Whether it's biotech or environmental sciences, familiarise yourself with recent publications and breakthroughs. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but you're genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Don't Skip the Technical Skills
As a temporary hire, you might be expected to hit the ground running. Be ready to discuss specific techniques or tools you’ve used, like statistical software or lab equipment. Practise explaining your experience in a clear, structured way so the interviewers can grasp your skills right away.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new protocols and projects. Be prepared to share examples of how you've managed shifting priorities or learned new methodologies on the fly. This will help demonstrate that you're a quick learner who can contribute immediately.
✨Bring Your Best Work to the Table
Even if this is a temporary gig, showcase any relevant projects or research you've completed. If you have a portfolio, make it succinct yet impactful. Showcasing tangible results can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers at British Heart Foundation.
