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Public Engagement and Communications Officer (full- or part-time)
Starting Salary £29,552 - £31,318 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Fixed-term
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a leading institute for biological research. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to contribute to our public engagement and communications activities, to cover maternity leave, commencing in November 2025. This post is available on a full-time or part-time basis (minimum 25 hours per week) and is a fixed-term position until October 2026, or the return of the postholder, whichever is earlier.
Working with colleagues in the Public Engagement team, you will help to develop new in-person and online public engagement activities in collaboration with LMB scientists to showcase the LMB’s research to target audiences for key events such as LMB Open Days or the Cambridge Festival. You will help to provide the infrastructure to enable LMB scientists to engage the public and inspire scientists of the future, coordinate the LMB work experience programme and Microscopes 4 Schools competition for primary schools. You will also help develop new longer-term public engagement and schools outreach initiatives to reach target audiences.
As a member of the LMB News team, you will draft LMB News and Insight on Research stories and other content to aid the communication of the LMB’s science to target audiences using a variety of digital media, including the LMB website, social media and YouTube channel. You will post content on the LMB’s social media channels and organise media visits and tours of the laboratory.
The ideal candidate will be educated to degree level or equivalent with a keen interest in the LMB’s research and have sufficient scientific knowledge to communicate complex scientific ideas to different target audiences. You will have experience of event management and developing or delivering public engagement or outreach activities, excellent presentation and communication skills and strong writing and editorial skills. You should also possess excellent IT, organisational and interpersonal skills, be able to use your own initiative and be an effective team member.
We are committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications. Full training will be given in all aspects of the post, and you will be able to participate in a wide range of staff development opportunities.
The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days (including bank holidays and privilege days) (pro-rata for part-time) and a generous employee discount scheme.
The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors.
Closing date: 29/09/2025
Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.
We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require.
