Are you passionate about bringing science to life and making complex research accessible and inspiring to a wide range of audiences?
At the British Heart Foundation (BHF), our research is at the heart of everything we do. With an active research portfolio of more than £400m, we fund world-class cardiovascular research that helps save and improve lives.
We’re looking for a Research Engagement Officer to help turn complex science into compelling stories, engaging experiences and accessible content that inspires people to understand, support and champion our work.
About the role
In this varied and impactful role, you’ll help connect BHF’s life saving research with the people who can share, support and champion it.
Through engaging internal activity, you’ll build knowledge and confidence across our teams, enabling colleagues and volunteers to talk about our research with clarity and impact. At the same time, you’ll source and shape compelling, accurate research stories for use across fundraising, marketing and communications.
Alongside this, you’ll support events and public engagement activity, working closely with researchers and colleagues across BHF to bring our research to life for a wide range of audiences.
In this role, you’ll:
- Deliver engaging internal talks, events and activities for colleagues and volunteers.
- Turn complex science into clear, compelling and accurate content in collaboration wider research engagement and medical team.
- Develop and improve our internal research engagement hub, keeping content relevant and easy to navigate.
- Act as a trusted point of contact for teams looking to include research stories or researchers in their activity.
- Support public engagement and events, while building strong relationships with our researcher community to maximise engagement and fundraising opportunities.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, storytelling and supporter engagement, helping more people understand the impact of BHF-funded research and why it matters.
About you
You’ll be a confident communicator who can make complex research clear, engaging and meaningful for different audiences. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, building relationships and spotting opportunities to bring ideas to life.
You’ll bring:
- Experience delivering science communication or research engagement activity, events or content
- Ability to translate complex research into clear, engaging messaging for different audiences
- Experience creating high-quality content for non-specialist audiences (e.g. web, blogs, engagement materials)
- Strong stakeholder manger and relationship-building skills, with confidence working with colleagues, researchers and senior stakeholders.
- A proactive, organised approach with strong project or event management skills
- A degree, PhD or equivalent experience in biological or medical sciences; experience in cardiovascular research and science communication qualification would be beneficial but is not essential.
What matters most is your ability to communicate complex research clearly, accurately and in a way that inspires people to care.
Belonging at BHF
We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together.
To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Working arrangements
This is a fixed term contract until 30 July 2027 covering a secondment.
This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Benefits and development
At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.
To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Development pages.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
Interview process
The interview process will consist of two stages. First stage interviews will be held over MS Teams w/c 10/08. For those successful, there will be second stage interviews in-person at our London Office w/c 17/08.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
Our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and inclusive. BHF use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
We support responsible use of AI to help shape your application. By applying for a role at BHF, you confirm that your application is authentic and reflects your own skills and experience, to ensure everyone is assessed fairly.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Please note that we are unlikely to be able to sponsor applicants in respect of this role due to the role not meeting the minimum salary criteria to be eligible for visa sponsorship.