JOB TITLE: Research Officer

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager - Research Insight

LOCATION: London

BACKGROUND

Breakthrough is the largest dedicated funder of breast cancer research in the UK. Breakthrough funds research across four priority areas: Prevention, Early Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment and the charity has an outstanding track record of achievement in breast cancer research. The Research Management Directorate consists of two teams: Research Funding and Strategy, and Research Information and Impact. The two teams oversee all of the research that the charity funds and manage the relationship with our grant holders.

RESEARCH, POLICY AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENTAL VISION

The Research, Policy and Information Department will be the expert, externally-facing, driver of insight into research, policy and information innovation for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Its primary responsibility will be as a catalyst ensuring that the 5 pillars of Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s strategy are delivered maximising the potential of Breakthrough’s strong reputation and track record through its scientists, clinicians and patient community.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

· To prepare accurate and engaging information about Breakthrough’s research outcomes and impact for use in fundraising applications and reports, and Breakthrough communications. To increase staff awareness and confidence in research. To engage staff and Breakthrough scientists in the achievements of Breakthrough.

· To assist the Research Insight team to in identifying and targeting the critical gaps in research activity.

· To communicate Breakthrough’s research achievements to supporters and the public, at supporter scientific events and Research Centre and Unit tours and to engage staff and Breakthrough scientists in the achievements of Breakthrough.

· To work collaboratively within RP&I and with E&IG in the delivery of Breakthrough objectives

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

· Assisting the team in establishing how Breakthrough will focus its future resources by researching and targeting critical gaps in research activity.

· Assist in the collection and analysis of data as a regular function of the team to support research insight in the planning of the future strategic direction of Breakthrough.

· Identifying, preparing, drafting and updating research information to a central Asset Bank (information hub) which can be used by Breakthrough staff to aid fundraising and communications objectives, working with the Senior Information Officer (Information Team).

· Develop processes for gaining feedback on content and monitoring usage on assets in the information hub.

· Creating funding applications, progress reports and final reports explaining our scientific programmes in an accessible, engaging way for a variety of audiences including: grass-roots fundraisers, charitable Trusts and major donors (i.e. ‘Walk the Walk’), and Trustees.

· Responding to scientific queries from Breakthrough staff about research and signing off fundraising copy where needed. Where required, presenting overviews of Breakthrough research programmes directly to funders in an enthusiastic, warm and engaging manner to secure major funding partnerships.

· Maintain records of publications, collaborations and other data for outputs and science metrics (working with the Research Assistant).

· Assist with the development of research outputs and outcomes for charity impact reporting.

· Recording restricted income through liaising with the Research Team on budgets and restricted income reports.

· Ensure content on the Breakthrough research website is kept up to date with information provided by grant holders.

· Providing information for articles about Breakthrough’s research for Breakthrough publications such as the supporter magazine, various newsletters and publications. Writing copy for magazine content, fundraising one-liners and shopping lists, reflecting engagement with a variety of audiences with different requirements.

· Identifying the need for delivering research information to scientists and finding innovative new and effective ways to achieve this.

· Overseeing projects such as the annual prize for scientists and supporter engagement events such as tours of research facilities and bespoke events.

· Managing training of supporter care staff (the first point of contact for enquiries) on Breakthrough’s research portfolio.

· Keeping up to date with the latest in cancer research, clinical and ethical issues, policy and campaign topics, and open access initiatives.

· Provide support for the management of projects relating to research funding and development as needed.

DIMENSIONS

No budget responsibilities

No direct reports

KEY INTERFACES

Internal:

· Research Funding team

· Major Giving Team

· Corporate Fundraising Team

· Supporter Fundraising Team

· Supporter Care Team

· Communications Dept.

· Policy & Information Dept.

External:

· Breakthrough funded researchers and key support staff

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Essential

· Postgraduate degree in relevant biological science or equivalent experience

· Proven experience of recognising the significance of scientific research findings and translating for appropriate audiences

· Sound knowledge of scientific research, particularly in the cancer field, and a good understanding of the systems from where research information can be obtained.

· Experience of communicating scientific information within a medical research environment.

· Experience of researching information using scientific/medical articles from primary and secondary literature.

· Experience in scientific and lay writing.

· Demonstrable, significant knowledge of the cancer research field (both UK and international)

· Ability to prioritise and co-ordinate multiple projects of a significant scope and complexity.

· Good IT skills, including MS Office and PowerPoint.

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to proactively develop effective working relations with Breakthrough staff

· Ability to absorb, critically assess and recognise the significance of scientific findings

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Ability to work well within a supportive team environment but concomitantly managing own time and projects.

· Ability to set realistic and achievable deadlines to make sure projects run smoothly in an agreed time-frame.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Salary range: £26000 - £30000 per annum

Term of appointment: Full time

Hours of work: 35 hours per week. We also operate a TOIL scheme

Pension: Contributory group personal pension scheme

Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus 3 days between Christmas and New Year

10/03/2014