Job detail for Science Media Press Officer

Salary: £35,884 - £39,146 plus benefits

Directorate: Public Information & Communications

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week, full time

Location: Stratford (2 Redman Place), office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 20th September at 23:59

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.

Recruitment Process: One competency-based interview including a task

Interview Dates: Week commencing 5 October 2026

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We're looking for a talented and motivated Science Media Officer to help tell the story of Cancer Research UK's world-leading research and impact. Working at the intersection of science, health and media, you'll create compelling communications that bring complex research to life for public audiences.

What will I be doing?

• Deliver proactive media campaigns and media activity that raise awareness of Cancer Research UK science and research.

• Write engaging press releases, media pitches and briefing materials.

• Handle reactive media enquiries and support spokespeople ahead of interviews.

• Build relationships with journalists, editors, broadcasters and internal stakeholders.

• Translate complex scientific research into accessible content for the public.

• Monitor media coverage and evaluate communications performance.

What are we looking for?

• Experience or knowledge of science, health journalism, media relations or PR.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to communicate complex information to non-specialist audiences.

• Ability to identify compelling news angles.

• Experience managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

• Interest in science, health policy and medical research.

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

• 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.

• If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.

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.

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 complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.

Please note that applications can’t be edited once submitted.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.

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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 0 20 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.