Research Group Communication Manager (Part Time, Fixed Term)
Part-time (0.4 FTE), Fixed-term (12 months in the first instance)
The Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Group Communications Manager to enhance the visibility and accessibility of the research programmes. This role is an exciting new opportunity to play a key role in developing and delivering clear, engaging, and accurate scientific communications for a diverse audience, including the autism community, researchers, policymakers, funders, and the press.
The successful candidate will manage and grow the ARC's social media presence by creating content that connects with a broad audience. They will draft and review documents before publication to ensure clarity, alignment, accessibility, and alignment with the ARC's core values.
The role-holder will draft press releases, web pages, and responses to press enquiries in collaboration with the ARC team. They will also write and distribute newsletters and blog posts to update the public about the latest research activities at the ARC.
The ARC is a world-class centre that conducts basic research into the causes of autism as well as applied research related to interventions and support for autistic people and their families. Researchers are highly multidisciplinary based at Douglas House in Cambridge with approximately 50 staff and students working both in person and virtually across approximately 50 projects. The ARC is explicit about its values, which include a commitment to community engagement on all projects (see www.autismresearchcentre.com). We use state-of-the-art technology and methodologies in these investigations, including functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), whole genome sequencing, genome wide association studies, epidemiology, experimental psychology, psychometrics, gaze-tracking, and obstetrics.
The post holder will work with Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Dr Carrie Allison, Dr Simon Braschi and a wide range of researchers at the ARC, and applicants should demonstrate:
- A degree level qualification in relevant subject/Level 6 vocational qualification or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
- Proven experience in a similar role
- Experience managing social media accounts for an organisation, with an understanding of digital engagement strategies.
- Understanding and experience of autism and neurodiversity.
- Familiarity with research methods and the academic environment.
- Excellent written and communication skills with experience writing newsletters, blogs, and multi-media communications.
- Familiarity with ethical considerations in research and experience with drafting ethics documents is desirable.
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research environment.
For questions related to visa applications related to this role, please contact hradminpsychiatry@medschl.cam.ac.uk.
Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months, with an anticipated start date as soon as possible. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate may be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 8th July 2025
Interview date: to be confirmed
Please quote reference RN46240 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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