At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging media campaigns to share Cancer Research UK's groundbreaking work with the public.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by translating complex science into accessible stories for everyone.
- Qualifications: Experience in science journalism or PR, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35884 - 39146 £ per year.
Salary: £35,884 - £39,146 plus benefits
Directorate: Public Information & Communications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Location: Stratford (2 Redman Place), office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 20th September at 23:59
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: One competency-based interview including a task
Interview Dates: Week commencing 5 October 2026
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're looking for a talented and motivated Science Media Officer to help tell the story of Cancer Research UK's world-leading research and impact. Working at the intersection of science, health and media, you'll create compelling communications that bring complex research to life for public audiences.
What will I be doing?
- Deliver proactive media campaigns and media activity that raise awareness of Cancer Research UK science and research.
- Write engaging press releases, media pitches and briefing materials.
- Handle reactive media enquiries and support spokespeople ahead of interviews.
- Build relationships with journalists, editors, broadcasters and internal stakeholders.
- Translate complex scientific research into accessible content for the public.
- Monitor media coverage and evaluate communications performance.
What are we looking for?
- Experience or knowledge of science, health journalism, media relations or PR.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate complex information to non-specialist audiences.
- Ability to identify compelling news angles.
- Experience managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
- Interest in science, health policy and medical research.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
- 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. Please note that applications can’t be edited once submitted.
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: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
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. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
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.
Science Media Press Officer employer: CANCER RESEARCH UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community impact and personal growth. As a Part-Time Store Lead in East Dereham, you will not only contribute to vital fundraising efforts but also enjoy opportunities for professional development within a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the fight against cancer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science Media Press Officer
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like CANCER RESEARCH UK. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like CANCER RESEARCH UK, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research CANCER RESEARCH UK inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Science Media Press Officer
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 CANCER 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 CANCER RESEARCH UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at CANCER 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.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
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.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
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.
