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 communicate relevant research findings and research information including the results of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’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

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.
  • Communicate new research advances internally within the charity to ensure the relevant team are up-to-date
  • Write and edit Target Research - a magazine that is solely dedicated to research advances and updates related to muscle-wastingconditions.
  • Recruit and manage a team of volunteer young scientists to write lay summaries of clinical trials for the website.
  • 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 the MDC.
  • Attend conferences and other events and represent the MDC, 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 MDC website 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 MDC colleagues as necessary.
  • Manage and develop ‘Talk Research’ – our already established committee of people directly or indirectly affected by muscle disease. In particular, this involves consultation on research information needs and preferences.

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 MDC’s Equal Opportunities policy and MDC’s vision and values
/

Essential

Details

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