Job title: Research Communication Officer

Location: Head Office, Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BU

Department:Research

Reporting to:Director of Research

Main purpose of role:

The role has two main aspects:

  • To efficiently communicate relevant research findings and research information including the results of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s research into muscle disease to service users and other stakeholders of the charity
  • To develop models for engaging service users in research matters with a focus on identifying and meeting their information needs effectively
  • To represent the charity and build relationships with service users and the neuromuscular scientific community

Main tasks and responsibilities

  • Monitor and identify scientific advances relevant to muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions.
  • Access research information from a variety of information resources such as Pubmed.
  • Identify key current relevant topics that should be published on the research pages of the charity’s website.
  • Lead on the identification of new communication channels to improve the charity’s engagement with families affected by a muscle wasting condition and other stakeholders
  • Communicate new research advances internally within the charity to ensure the relevant teams are up-to-date
  • Responsible for the provision of information in response to research enquiries
  • Responsible for adding information about new supporters to the database and ensuring they receive the relevant support and information from MDUK.
  • Attend conferences and other events and represent MDUK, including giving presentations.
  • Work closely with other teams in the charity to provide expert research advice and information when required.
  • Work with the information and communications teams in producing research information materials for lay external audiences.
  • Responsible for keeping the research pages of the MDUKwebsite up-to-date and work with the online manager to improve the research section of the website.
  • Work closely with the Senior Grants Manager to update communications channels so that they reflect the wide variety of the research funded by the charity.
  • Support the development of other communication channels e.g. social media such as Facebook, and Twitter to ensure research news and information is disseminated widely to our target audiences.
  • Responsible for organizing research events such as lab days, research conferences and information days, liaising with other MDUK colleagues as necessary.

Values and behaviours

  1. A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
  1. To contribute to the development of the charity and the research team.
  1. A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equal opportunities and diversity.
  1. To demonstrate role model behaviour at all times.

Education

Degree in a biological science or Science Communication or similar

/

Essential

Experience

Experience in Biological research /

Desirable

Experience of communicating scientific concepts to a range of target audiences /

Essential

Experience of working in the voluntary sector /

Desirable

Experience in resourcing research information. /

Essential

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
/

Essential

Excellent project management and organisation skills /

Essential

Ability to work methodically and accurately with excellent attention to detail /

Essential

Ability to work under pressure, to effectively plan and prioritise a complex and varied workload, and to undertake multiple tasks concurrently /

Essential

A proven ability to work proactively as part of a team /

Essential

Positive and flexible attitude to work particularly new initiatives /

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills
/

Essential

Good analytical skills
/

Essential

I .T literate
/

Essential

Diplomatic in meeting and working with people and volunteers
/

Essential

To have a positive attitude to work, particularly new initiatives
/

Essential

A commitment to MDUK’s Equal Opportunities policy and MDUK’s vision and values
/

Essential

Planning - The ability to develop and implement clear and robust plans for self and others to follow.
/ Essential
Leadership - The ability to set instructions whilst empowering others to accomplish tasks. Demonstrates flexibility by adopting a management style to the given situation. / Essential
Organisational skills - The ability to manage own time and tasks effectively. Taking an approach that is results orientated and systematic making you personally effective in managing own workload complying with set (ie. in-house policies, legislations, etc).
/ Essential
Ownership and accountability - The ability to accept responsibility for own area of work, identifying critical elements and working in a pro-active/solution focused way to achieve. / Essential
Team work - The ability to accept responsibility for own area of work, identifying critical elements and working in a pro-active/solution focused way to achieve. / Essential
Communication - The ability to represent Muscular Dystrophy UK effectively and professionally. Produces clear and effective communications appropriate to the audience, utilising the most appropriate channel and in keeping with brand guidelines. / Essential

Details

Hours – Full time with occasional evening and weekend work to attend meetings as needed
Holidays – 25 days