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Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

Senior Media Officer - Science

Posted Yesterday
Full-time

Job Description

Community spirit. Ceaseless ambition. Passion that just keeps growing. 

Senior Media Officer – Science  

£40,233-£42,435 plus benefits 

Reports to: Senior Media Manager, Science 

Grade: P2 

Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications 

Contract: Permanent 

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week  

Location: Stratford, London. High Flex (1-2 days per week in office) 

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.  

External closing date:  22 June 2026, 23:55 

Internal closing date: 28 June 2026, 23:55 

How do I apply?  

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the application questions and work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively. 

If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. 

Recruitment process: 1 stage interview process consisting of role-based competency interviews and a presentation task. 

Interview date: From 7 July 2026 

 

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. 

At Cancer Research UK, we’re here to beat cancer and we’re impatient to get there. This role is for a talented communicator who thrives on turning complex science into stories that inspire, inform and drive policy change. 

As a Senior Media Officer – Science, you’ll play a key role in telling the story of our research and turning complex discoveries into powerful, accessible stories that inform, inspire and drive change. From national news to broadcast and podcasts, you’ll make sure our science reaches the audiences who matter most. 

What you’ll do 

  • Tell the story of breakthroughs – lead targeted, high impact media activity that puts our science and research firmly in the spotlight 

  • Drive media coverage – land compelling stories across national, specialist and broadcast media 

  • Translate science into impact – spot newsworthy research and turn it into engaging stories for everyday audiences 

  • Be a trusted media contact – handle reactive enquiries and support CRUK’s position as the authoritative voice on cancer 

  • Create standout content – develop press materials, pitches and campaign messaging that cuts through 

  • Build strong media relationships – work closely with journalists across print, broadcast and emerging platforms 

  • Collaborate to deliver more – partner across teams to deliver integrated, multi-channel campaigns 

  • Use insight to sharpen performance – track coverage, spot trends, and continuously improve impact 

  • Bring human stories to life – connect research to real people through powerful, authentic storytelling 

What we’re looking for 

  • A media or PR professional with experience in science or health communications 

  • Someone with a science degree or proven ability to translate scientific papers into clear, engaging stories for a wide range of audiences. 

  • A strong storyteller with excellent writing and communication skills 

  • A creative and proactive thinker who spots opportunities and makes them happen 

  • A collaborative team player who builds relationships and works effectively across teams 

  • Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, reactive environment, using sound judgement under pressure. 

  • Experience in a policy environment would be highly beneficial, bringing an understanding of how communications can support and influence public affairs, government engagement and wider societal impact 

 

 

Why this role matters 

This is more than a media role—it’s your chance to help shape the conversation around cancer, spotlight lifesaving research, and bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. 

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. 

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination   

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism    

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people   

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively 

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. 

What will I gain? 

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. 

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page. 

Internal Eligibility criteria 

Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month ‘getting started’ period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview. 
 

All internal candidates applying for a secondment, must have: 

  • completed their getting started period 

  • discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager  

  • been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment) 

If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements, we will not be able to progress your application. 

 

Additional information 

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].   

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube 

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.

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Senior Media Officer - Science at Cancer Research UK (CRUK) | Renata