Join us in the fight against cancer

At Manchester Cancer Research UK, we are committed to pioneering life-saving research and transforming cancer care. We seek efficient and strategic Director of Communications and Research Engagement To lead our communications and engagement activities and amplify the impact of our work across scientific, clinical and public audiences.

About the role

As Director of Research Communications and Engagement, you will be at the heart of our mission to craft compelling narratives, drive engagement across digital and print platforms, and coordinate opportunities for our researchers to engage with the public. This will include writing and editing website content, creating social media content including graphics/photography/videos, as well as contributing to reports and newsletters. You will work closely with researchers and Institute leadership to ensure that our achievements and initiatives reach the audiences that matter most.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the Institute’s objectives
• Supervise and create content live for web, social media, newsletters and internal communications

• Collaborate with Institute staff and students and leverage our connections with partner organizations (including the University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust) to promote research outcomes and organize research engagement events

About you

Bachelor’s or doctoral degree in biological sciences

Proven experience working in communications – ideally in the science, healthcare or non-profit sectors, or relevant communications experience in a scientific setting

Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills

Experience in some of the following: social media platform management, web content creation/format (especially WordPress), design skills (e.g. Illustrator/Photoshop/Canva), digital creativity (photography/video).

Strong strategic thinking and project management capabilities

Comfortable working with complex scientific information and translating it for diverse audiences

Experience organizing or participating in public engagement activities

Passionate about making a difference in cancer research and patient outcomes

Why join us?

• Be part of a world-class cancer research institute that makes a real impact in the lives of patients and their families
• Opportunities to develop and expand communications activities in line with the future growth of the Institute
• A great opportunity to develop and expand your skills – drawing on networks/contacts from other teams and through training at the Institute and from the University of Manchester/Cancer Research UK.

Apply now

Please ensure you detail the names of two referees and ensure you submit your application before the specified deadline.

For any informal inquiries about this publication, please contact Caroline Wilkinson: caroline.wilkinson@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

Closing date:November 13, 2025 Thursday