Senior Communications Manager: Q-BIOMED

About us

Our hub is one of five national quantum research hubs supported by £160 million in funding from the £2.5 billion National Quantum Technologies Programme. Q-BIOMED aims to deliver a step change in earlier disease diagnosis and treatment for diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (https://www.qbiomed.org.uk). We aim to develop ultra-sensitive blood tests, faster MRI scan times, and improved healthcare access through lower costs and portable instruments. In addition, quantum technologies will enable new interventional tools for surgery and treatment, and new tools for basic life sciences research, to study disease at single cell and single molecule scales. These advances could enable much earlier diagnosis of disease such as cancer allowing for more rapid medical interventions and potentially saving lives. Ultimately, this could translate to better patient outcomes and help to reduce waiting lists, easing pressures on the NHS

We seek a highly proactive individual to lead and implement the new £24M Q-BIOMED Communications and Events strategy, working with the Directors, Management Committee and Advisory Board for this major UK national programme.

About the role

The Senior Communications Manager role forms part of the Q-BIOMED Strategic Operations Team and is required to work closely and build excellent relationships with the Senior UK Research Hub Manager and Business Development Manager, to maximise Hub impact.

The main purpose of the job is to lead and implement an ambitious highly visible Q-BIOMED communication strategy and brand, aiming to maximise UKRI and NIHR’s investment in our Hub and position us at the forefront of the field globally. The Senior Communications Manager will also lead all Hub events, including stakeholder workshops, Biannual meetings for 100+ people, international conferences as well as public outreach and PPIE events. It will involve travel to partners and external stakeholders.

The role is based at the London Centre for Nanotechnology at UCL and reports to Professor McKendry Q-BIOMED (PI) and Co-Director. The role is funded for five years until November 2029.

About you

Applicants should have a post-graduate qualification in communications (or similar), or equivalent professional experience. They should have an outstanding track record in leading and implementing large communications strategies and event management involving multidisciplinary, multi-centre and multi-sector programmes, and ideally in the field of quantum technologies and or health.

Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills, including diplomacy and discretion, and the ability and confidence to liaise with staff and external individuals at any level of seniority are essential, as is the ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders and VIPs across academia, NHS, policy makers and industry both in the UK and internationally. The role requires the ability to lead programmes and to work under pressure without supervision and to prioritise workloads to meet conflicting deadlines. Experience with impactful website design and social media campaigns experience is essential, as well as leading professional annual reports, press releases, and organising large events for 100 + people. Having a positive attitude and the capacity to positively respond and adapt to challenges, staying focused during uncertainty and changing plans to meet changing demands are key requirements of the role.

The appointment at Grade 8 will be at a salary of £52,487 – £61,534 per annum plus London Allowance, reflecting the seniority of the role and outstanding experience of the applicant leading major communications strategies.

Interviews are likely to be held between 11th and 13th December.

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