Manager - Science News

Community spirit. Ceaseless ambition. Passion that just keeps growing.

£45,618 to £48,800 plus benefits

Reports to: Senior Manager, Science

Grade: P3

Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London. High Flex (1-2 days per week in office)

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.

External closing date: 21 May 2026, 23:55

Internal closing date: 28 May 2026, 23:55

How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the application questions and work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: 2 stage interview process consisting of role-based competency interviews and a presentation task. Interview date: From 3 June 2026

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. This role is for a talented communicator who thrives on turning complex science into stories that inspire, inform and drive policy change. As a Science News Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping how the world hears about our ground breaking research, working with journalists to land stories in national print and broadcast media. You’ll lead high-impact media campaigns, champion our voice in the news, and ensure our science reaches the audiences who matter most. Your work will play an important role in helping support the charity’s fundraising and philanthropy drives, as well as influencing government and other stakeholders.

What you’ll do:

• Drive the story of cancer research – plan and deliver bold, creative media campaigns around our most important scientific breakthroughs
• Be a trusted voice in the media – handle high-profile reactive media enquiries and position CRUK as the authority on cancer research
• Create compelling content – craft sharp press releases, pitches and messaging that bring complex science to life
• Build powerful media relationships – work closely with top-tier journalists, particularly across national health and science desks
• Lead and influence – project manage major communications activity, shape thought leadership and support senior leaders and spokespeople.
• Supervisory – supporting and deputising on behalf of Senior Manager.
• Use insight to maximise impact – track performance, spot trends, and continually evolve our media strategies
• Collaborate across CRUK – work with teams across the organisation to deliver integrated, audience-first storytelling
• Bring the human story to the forefront – connect our research to real lives through powerful case studies and lived experiences

What we’re looking for:

• A proven media, policy communications, PR or journalism expert with strong campaign experience
• A scientific degree or proven experience translating scientific papers into compelling news for a range of lay audiences
• Someone who can translate complex research into standout stories with real-world relevance
• A confident relationship-builder and influencer who thrives in fast-paced environments
• A strategic thinker with creative flair, always spotting the next opportunity
• A calm and credible voice in high-pressure or reactive situations
• A skilled communicator who can navigate complexity and inspire trust

Why this role matters:

This is more than a media role—it’s your chance to help shape the conversation around cancer, spotlight lifesaving research, and bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. 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.

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.

Internal Eligibility criteria:

Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month ‘getting started’ period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview. All internal candidates applying for a secondment, must have: completed their getting started period discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment) If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements, we will not be able to progress your application.

Additional information:

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk. For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, 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.