About this role
Job summary
The Communications Manager - Research and Genomicswill develop and deliver the strategy for research communications at CUH. The role requires building strong relationships with scientists and researchers at CUH, East Genomics and our research partners to develop a pipeline of news stories, working with the CUH communications team. It involves identifying strategically important research stories of national and/or regional interest, pitching to media and delivering positive coverage for the Trust and partners.
The post holder will lead laboratory communications for East Genomics, which is hosted by CUH and is one of seven regional NHS Genomic Medicine Services in England. The role involves leading and advising on operational communications for the regional NHS genetic testing service covering the East of England and East Midlands.
Main duties of the job
Develop and deliver the strategy for research communications at the Trust, taking into account the organisation's strategic priorities for modernisation as well as the aims of its stakeholders. Build strong relationships with scientists and researchers to create a pipeline of news stories for the Trust, working with the Trust communications team. Identify strategically important research and genomic stories of national and/or regional interest and; pitch to media and deliver positive coverage for Trust and partners. Working alongside the East Genomics regional communications manager, strategically lead internal and external communications for the laboratory function within East Genomics, which is hosted by CUH and is one of seven regional NHS Genomic Medicine Services in England.
Leading and advising on operational communications for the regional NHS genetic testing service covering the East of England and East Midlands.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment or fixed term contract. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 23rd November 2026.
Interviews are due to be held on 1st December 2026.
All appointments with a start date on or after 1 October 2026 will be subject to a 12-week probationary period. This provides a structured and supportive period to help you settle into your role, with regular reviews and feedback.
Right to Work
As there is a 12-week probationary period, successful candidates are expected to have the Right to Work for a period of at least 6 months from the proposed start date. Immigration and Right to Work status will be discussed with successful candidates at conditional offer. CUH will not offer sponsorship to candidates that have applied for a fee waiver.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oEducated to degree level and/or equivalent level of skills or experience plus training and/or experience in the communications field to degree-level equivalent
- oEvidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
- oEither an under-graduate or post-graduate qualification in journalism, marketing, public relations or related field
- oMember of the Chartered Institute of Marketing or Public Relations
- oHigher qualifications in relevant scientific fields
Experience
Essential
- oExperience of leading external communications at a senior level in a large complex organisation
- oExperience of turning complex research and genomics into accessible and compelling content for mass public audiences
- oExperience in identifying good research stories across all mediums and experience of working with the media
- oEvidence of successful communication strategy, development and implementation
- oPractical experience in using different approaches to multimedia communications
- oExperience of building strong positive working relationships with stakeholders
Desirable
- oExperience of working with top UK science journalists
- oExperience of research and genomics communications
- oExperience working in a laboratory/scientific environment
- oExperience organising VIP visits
- oExperience delivering engaging scientific activities/events/exhibitions
Knowledge
Essential
- oKnowledge of effective, timely opportunities to communicate research stories
- oKnowledge of science journalists in the UK and beyond
- oKnowledge of popular science media, how media operates, and relevant legal considerations
- oGenuine interest in science and research
Desirable
- oKnowledge of stakeholder communications approaches from across the industry sector and how they can be implemented in the NHS
- oUnderstanding of genetic testing for clinical use
- oFamiliar with concepts and channels for internal communications
- oFamiliar with change management communications
Skills
Essential
- oExcellent interpersonal, verbal & written communication skills, and key IT skills
- oSpeed and accuracy in preparing reports, media releases and presentation material
- oAbility to deal with large amounts of scientific information and accurately distil it into easily digestible content
- oAble to efficiently prioritise and manage capacity.
- oCapable to advise leaders on appropriate communications approaches.
- oPolitical skills and knowledge of public sector issues, including those surrounding the NHS.
- oAble to persuade and influence senior scientists to communicate their work in an impactful and effective way
- oFlexibility in handling a wide range of projects, managed to tight deadlines
- oAbility to act with tact and diplomacy at all times, and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
- oEmotionally resilient. Able to cope and function effectively when working in a demanding environment
Desirable
- oAble to guide cultural development in an organisation
Additional Requirements
Essential
- oThe ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division Corporate
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)