About Health Data Research UK

 

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is the national Institute for data science in health.  Our UK team of experts develop and apply cutting-edge data science approaches to clinical, biological, genomic and other multi-dimensional health data to address the most pressing health research challenges facing the public. 

Our mission is to make game-changing improvements in the health of patients and populations through data science research and innovation.

 

For the first time we are bringing together our unique nationwide data assets and specialists across academia, research and healthcare to unlock knowledge and deliver new insights from molecule to man.  By undertaking research at scale, across a population of up to 65 million people, we have an unrivalled opportunity to use data to the highest ethical standards to drive breakthroughs in medical research.  This unleashes the potential to improve the way we are able to prevent, detect and diagnose diseases such as cancer, heart disease and asthma.

 

At Health Data Research UK, we employ talented individuals who bring their own unique skills and experience to support the vision and benefit the whole team.

 

Purpose of the post

 

Reporting to the Head of Communications, this is a pivotal new role that will be integral to demonstrating the value of health data research. You will work hand in hand with the HDR UK research community – many of them key to the scientific response to COVID – to tell the compelling story of data in health research. You will also work with colleagues across HDR UK programmes to pull together the wider narrative of our research impact.

 

You will deliver the communications strategy for research and science, working with colleagues to manage a range of tools and channels, including our website, social media, email, publications, PR and events, to reach audiences across academia, NHS, industry, charities; as well as  patients and the public. 

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced science communications professional to lead and deliver communications on cutting-edge research using health data that are making a tangible difference to people’s lives.

 

We are seeking an individual with a proven track record in research communications who has successfully worked on complex, scientific projects with multiple partners. The successful candidate will share our values, have strong influencing and collaboration skills and be comfortable with working at pace, moving quickly to prioritise resources where needed. 

 

The role holder will have a background in science or research communications with the ability to communicate complex information in innovative ways that engage with the varied audiences we work with.

 

Communications at Health Data Research UK

 

Our strategy for Insights, Communications and Engagement is a key enabler in supporting HDR UK’s mission to unite the UK’s health data to enable discoveries that improve people’s lives. Our aim is to position HDR UK as a leading international institute for health data research, that has the trust and confidence of patients, public, practitioners and key stakeholders.

 

Main responsibilities for the role

• Implement HDR UK’s communication strategy with a specific focus on communicating the scientific and research impact
• Horizon scan for opportunities to share research impact that help raise the profile of the institute and its research/scientific outputs
• Produce high quality, engaging research-focused content for the website, social media and other channels
• Research, write and create engaging scientific content in the form of case studies, news stories, press releases, videos and podcasts
• Work with the Media and Content Officer to ensure scientific output is in line with wider content strategy (e.g., relevant content is developed for specific audiences and channels)
• Work with the Media and Content Officer to manage relevant media relations opportunities for HDR UK’s research and scientific outputs
• Organise, manage and facilitate high quality research-related/scientific events to engage with a wide range of audiences, evaluating effectiveness and providing follow-up communications
• Support the delivery of HDR UK’s annual scientific conference
• Establish effective relationships and work in partnership with communication, policy and programmme teams across the institute and partners
• Work with colleagues to help build and develop HDR UK’s research community
• Provide media briefings for senior colleagues within Health Data Research UK
• Maintain media and communications contact lists in Hubspot (CRM)
• Commission external suppliers to support delivery of Health Data Research UK’s science communications and manage these relationships
• Ensure projects are delivered within set budgets
• Ensure all communication materials produced for Health Data Research UK adhere to the brand guidelines, helping to ensure the reputation of Health Data Research UK and its partners are maintained.

 

Planning and organising

This post is part of a busy team that delivers effective communications for this national institute.  The Communications Manager, Science will be responsible for planning activity, aligned to the communications strategy, that meets the demands of Health Data Research UK.  This will require exceptional organisational skills, managing multiple projects at one time, to ensure work is delivered within deadline and to budget.  At the same time, the post holder will require a flexible approach to work to changing demands.

 

Problem solving

The Communications Manager, Science will be expected to use problem solving skills to respond to and manage the diverse demands on the team.   The post holder will operate with significant independence, dealing with and responding to issues brought to their attention as a first point of contact for the communications team.   The post holder will deputise for the Head of Communications, therefore will require confidence in dealing with enquiries, problem solving and decision making.  The post holder will make an effective judgement on when to escalate issues to senior colleagues’ attention and with what urgency.

 

Decision making

The post-holder will make all day-to-day operational decisions for their own workload and on behalf of Health Data Research UK, where required.  With support from senior colleagues, the Communications Manager will identify, initiate and develop opportunities for collaborative working with relevant national and international partners and organisations.

 

Key contacts/relationships

The post holder will build and maintain effective working relationships both within HDR UK, with partners in substantive site and with other key stakeholders.  The Communications Manager will have close working relationships with members of the Executive Committee, in particular the Chief Science Strategy Officer and Director.

 

Knowledge, skills and experience

 

Essential

• Degree or further education in a scientific discipline

Experience

• Experience of creating and delivering successful scientific communications strategies and plans
• Experience of writing scientific content for journals and specialist media
• Experience of developing and managing traditional and innovative communications channels
• Demonstrable experience of managing website content, including use of CMS
• Experience of managing issues under time pressure, ensuring statements and briefing materials are prepared
• Experience of organising and managing events from start to finish, including promotional activity, follow-up communications and evaluation
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of health research and the needs of relevant audiences
• Experience of producing high quality content for online and offline channels
• Experience of managing suppliers

 

Skills

• Excellent project management skills and experience with a proven track record of delivering challenging projects on deadline

 

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to produce high quality materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate scientific content effectively and confidently with people at all levels
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive issues positively
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confidence to handle high profile media enquiries and to advise spokespeople on messages and challenging situations

 

Desirable

• Experience of working in research or academia
• Experience of multidisciplinary team working

 

Dimensions

·         This is a full-time role

·         As a result of the pandemic, staff are currently working remotely. All HDR UK roles are primarily based   at the London offices, however we are flexibly working across a number of geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to HDR UK locations and partner organisations.

 

Application Process

Please apply with a CV and covering letter of no more than 500 words explaining what you can bring to this role, including your current salary, to hdruk@gravitatehr.co.uk.

 

The closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 23 September.

 

Interviews are expected to take place during w/c 27 September (dates to be confirmed).