At a Glance
- Tasks: Support policy and advocacy work in the medical research community.
- Company: Join AMRC, a leading voice for medical research charities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with exposure to influential stakeholders and projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health policy and support vital research initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in science or health policy with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
AMRC is looking for a policy officer to join our small but highly influential policy and public affairs team, working at the heart of the medical research community. You will support our influencing and advocacy work, helping build a thriving research environment that facilitates innovation. We work with government and policy makers to ensure that our charities can invest in a healthy and sustainable research system across universities and the NHS.
You will undertake analysis and horizon scanning to enable us to keep our members up-to-date, and you will support the development of AMRC’s policy activity. You will support activities in many areas of work including:
- Improving the sustainability of charity-university research
- Enhancing research careers, translation and infrastructure
- Maintaining a facilitative legislative and regulatory environment
- Enhancing charity-industry partnerships, helping research findings to be translated into treatments, policy and practice more quickly
There will also be a public affairs dimension to the role that includes work with the APPG for Life Sciences, for which AMRC is part of the secretariat.
We’re looking for someone with some experience in science or health policy, who is passionate about influencing decision‑making in government and the sector. You will have strong communication and analytical skills, combined with attention to detail. You will need to be organised and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. You will have experience of delivering projects from start to finish. And you will be committed to championing, supporting and connecting medical research charities to enable them to fund in a thriving research environment.
The role is a great opportunity to build policy skills and experience and gain greater exposure to the medical research community as well as the third sector.
The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) is proud to represent over 150 leading medical research charities. They include household names such as Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, as well as smaller charities who invest in rare diseases and areas of unmet need. Our members have a laser focus on their disease areas and a deep understanding of their patient communities. They fund where there’s an opportunity to accelerate progress - their research improves lives and offers hope.
Despite being a small team, AMRC has a large and influential presence. We champion our charities and tell their collective story. We advocate for a thriving research environment that delivers for patients, representing our members on over 50 boards, committees and working groups. We support our charities to fund research as effectively as possible, we provide a kitemark of quality, and we help our members to navigate a changing landscape. We also connect our charities so they can share learning and collaborate, and we open up opportunities for them to partner with others from across the research system.
All AMRC staff have the chance to work directly with our members and external stakeholders, providing fantastic opportunities for career development and building a profile in the sector. We also offer a very flexible working environment - staff have the option to work in our office or remotely, with a minimum 20% in the office per calendar month - and we have a generous leave allowance.
Please note: We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during our recruitment and selection processes. We ask that all applicants follow this same approach as much as possible to present an authentic impression of their views, skills and experience. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. AMRC is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Policy Officer employer: The Wild
At Aquarium of the Lakes, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As part of Parques Reunidos, you will benefit from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as complimentary attraction tickets and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic leisure park setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like The Wild, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like The Wild and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for The Wild and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wild
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with The Wild, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for The Wild.
