At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful media activities to share groundbreaking cancer research stories.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a passionate team dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by translating complex science into inspiring stories.
- Qualifications: Experience in media or PR, with a knack for storytelling and science communication.
The predicted salary is between 40233 - 42435 £ per year.
Community spirit. Ceaseless ambition. Passion that just keeps growing.
£40,233-£42,435 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Media Manager, Science
Grade: P2
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: 22 June 2026, 23:55
Internal closing date: 28 June 2026, 23:55
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 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: 1 stage interview process consisting of role-based competency interviews and a presentation task.
Interview date: From 7 July 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 Senior Media Officer – Science, you’ll play a key role in telling the story of our research and turning complex discoveries into powerful, accessible stories that inform, inspire and drive change. From national news to broadcast and podcasts, you’ll make sure our science reaches the audiences who matter most.
What you’ll do:
- Tell the story of breakthroughs – lead targeted, high impact media activity that puts our science and research firmly in the spotlight
- Drive media coverage – land compelling stories across national, specialist and broadcast media
- Translate science into impact – spot newsworthy research and turn it into engaging stories for everyday audiences
- Be a trusted media contact – handle reactive enquiries and support CRUK’s position as the authoritative voice on cancer
- Create standout content – develop press materials, pitches and campaign messaging that cuts through
- Build strong media relationships – work closely with journalists across print, broadcast and emerging platforms
- Collaborate to deliver more – partner across teams to deliver integrated, multi-channel campaigns
- Use insight to sharpen performance – track coverage, spot trends, and continuously improve impact
- Bring human stories to life – connect research to real people through powerful, authentic storytelling
What we’re looking for:
- A media or PR professional with experience in science or health communications
- Someone with a science degree or proven ability to translate scientific papers into clear, engaging stories for a wide range of audiences.
- A strong storyteller with excellent writing and communication skills
- A creative and proactive thinker who spots opportunities and makes them happen
- A collaborative team player who builds relationships and works effectively across teams
- Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, reactive environment, using sound judgement under pressure.
- Experience in a policy environment would be highly beneficial, bringing an understanding of how communications can support and influence public affairs, government engagement and wider societal impact
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. 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.
Senior Media Officer - Science employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to beating cancer and fostering a community of passionate individuals who thrive on making a difference. Located in Stratford, London, our high-flex work culture promotes a healthy work-life balance while offering generous benefits and extensive career development opportunities. Join us to transform complex scientific breakthroughs into impactful stories that inspire change and contribute to a world free from the fear of cancer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Media Officer - Science
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Cancer Research UK!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Cancer Research UK, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Media Officer - Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Cancer Research UK:When applying for the Senior Media Officer - Science role at Cancer Research UK, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Cancer Research UK produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Cancer Research UK. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
