Communications Manager, Research

• Innovation

We are creative and fearless in our work.

• Accountability

We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.

• Teamwork

We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.

Salary Circa £45,000 per annum

Contract type Permanent

Location Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

Published

10 hours ago

Closing

in 18 days

This is a Permanent, , Full Time vacancy that will close in 18 days at 23:59 BST.

The Vacancy

The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, impact and mission across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity—ensuring consistent, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities.

We are seeking a Communications Manager, Research to join our Communications Team and line manage the Research Communications team. The Communications Manager, Research, leads the development and delivery of communications that promote and explain the charity’s research strategy, programmes and scientific impact. They act as the primary communications partner to the Research Directorate, shaping research narratives and overseeing high‑quality content that brings our science to life for diverse audiences.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead the development of communications strategies and plans for major research programmes, including: Blood Biomarker Challenge, Dementia Frontiers Fund, Clinical Accelerator, GRB, DDA, and research partnerships.
• Act as the senior communications partner to the Research Directorate, advising on messaging, positioning, risks and opportunities.
• Shape and maintain the overarching research narrative and storyline, feeding into organisational messaging, master slide decks and presentations.
• Ensure research communications plans align with organisational strategy and cross‑team communications activity.

Delivery & Oversight

• Oversee the creation of key research communications materials: Communication plans, FAQs, messaging documents, web content, reports and updates.
• Ensure content is scientifically accurate, engaging and accessible for a range of audiences, including supporters, partners, researchers and policymakers.
• Oversee communications planning around scientific conferences (e.g., AAIC, AD/PD), ensuring identification of key research outputs and coordinating content production.
• Work with the Content Team to deliver researcher‑friendly content and impact stories that articulate the charity’s scientific contribution.

Cross‑Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with Press, Content, Corporate Comms and Digital teams to ensure consistent messaging on research across all channels.
• Act as a research communications expert internally, supporting colleagues who need scientific context, messaging or guidance.
• Lead the planning and delivery of research‑specific social media content in partnership with digital colleagues.

Team Leadership & Management

• Line manage, coach and develop members of the Research Comms team, ensuring high performance, prioritisation and skills development.
• Translate broader departmental strategy into clear objectives and work plans for the team.
• Provide guidance and support on complex communication tasks and ensure quality assurance across all team outputs.
• Encourage continuous improvement in processes, systems and ways of working.

Governance, Risk & Resource Management

• Provide input into setting budgets for research communications activity and work within allocated resources.
• Identify comms risks around research announcements or projects and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Work with Metrics & Insights colleagues to set KPIs and evaluate performance of research communications activity.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Significant experience in communications, science communication or research engagement
• Scientific background or qualification
• Experience developing comms strategies
• Strong track record translating scientific information
• Experience managing staff or projects
• Experience advising senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strategic thinking
• Project management
• Ability to influence and build relationships
• Sound judgement
• Proactive, solution‑focused approach.

The closing date for applications is the 2nd August 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country. Recently, the company has won multiple workplace environment awards and has an outstanding record of employee satisfaction.

The Benefits

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The Values

• Innovation

We are creative and fearless in our work.

• Accountability

We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.

• Teamwork

We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

The Benefits

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

For more details on working for Alzheimer's Research UK click here.

Holiday entitlement

Healthcare

Sick pay

Pension

Cycle to work scheme

Family friendly policies

Learning & development

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