Job Description
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JOB TITLE
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION OFFICER
DEPARTMENT
PRESS & PR
REPORTING TO
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION MANAGER
PURPOSE OF JOB:
The BHF is the nation’s heart charity and the UK’s premier funding body for heart research. With over
£150 invested every minute in research across the UK, the Science Communication Officer (SCO)
plays a vital role as the link between BHF researchers and the public. The SCO proactively seeks out
research stories and brings the science to life in ways that are relevant to the public and heart
patients. The SCO advises and assists colleagues across the organisation, provides a first class
information service matched to fundraising or PR needs, and works directly with journalists to
promote BHF research in local and national media.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Service provision
• To identify and exploit the achievements of BHF research in order to raise the profile of
the charity on a national and regional level, particularly through the media.
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To write creative, exciting copy about new BHF research, as well as outcomes and
impacts of ongoing research.
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To build and maintain relationships with BHF-funded researchers, supporting,
encouraging and influencing them to assist the organisation and work with us to promote
their research.
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To bring together the above areas to provide an excellent science communication service
to internal clients, including Fundraising, Press and PR and Internal Communications.
2. Media Relations
• To identify, press release, and pitch ideas for research news stories and features in
collaboration with the medical press team & independently.
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To form part of the reactive newsdesk and out of hours communications team (rota basis)
and take part in daily newspaper scanning.
3. Online and e-Communications
• To work with the Science Communication Manager to implement and develop quality
public-facing research communications on bhf.org.uk that meets our audience’s needs.
• To research, write and compile a quarterly e-newsletter for BHF researchers, and work with
the e-communications team to distribute and evaluate it.
4. Administration
• To undertake other duties specified from time to time by the Science Communication
Manager.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
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Recruitment specifications are made available to applicants to assess their suitability for the
role.
JOB TITLE
Science Communication Officer
DEPARTMENT
Press & PR
REPORTING TO
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Qualifications and
Training Required
• Degree/PhD in biological or medical sciences
• Communication/Marketing qualification also desirable
Experience Required
• Press officer experience with success in gaining quality coverage
• Experience in communicating science/health in an engaging way
for a lay audience
• Experience of writing for the web essential
• Experience of developing other online content desirable.
Skills/Personal
Attributes Required
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General
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Solid understanding of current medical issues
Self-starter and ability to research a topic independently
Natural flair for accurate verbal and written communication skills
Proven creativity in work
Good understanding of UK media
Ability to work under pressure
A can-do approach, with strong problem solving skills
Excellent multi-tasking and time management abilities
Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in working with
people at all levels
Good IT skills and understanding
A team player who enjoys pitching in when required
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Enthusiasm and a ‘can-do’ approach