Communications Officer, Research - #188195

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

This post is only open to internal applicants

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an outstanding communications professional with the drive to engage people with the latest healthcare and biomedical research.

Research is helping better understand human health and wellbeing so we can improve current treatments and care, and develop new and better ones. It is also helping diagnose diseases and conditions earlier or more accurately.

Our research communications team works across audiences and channels. We develop amazing content from the cutting edge of health research to help drive public engagement and participation in research, build a strong research culture and share our impacts.

If you are a creative professional with an appetite for explaining complex subjects through great content and rewarding events then we’d like to talk to you.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

What You’ll Do

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You’ll deliver timely and compelling copy for a range of audiences. Your work will be key to the delivery of a growing research communications strategy.

You will work closely with communications staff, researchers and suppliers. You’ll make sure we provide appropriate and engaging content to the public, our staff, health professionals and our stakeholders. You will work across health subjects and disease areas to engage and involve people in our work.

Working closely with managers in our Southampton Centre for Research Engagement and Impact, you will focus on driving ever more benefit and impact by engaging the widest range of people with our research.

You will handle team enquiries and requests, build stronger connections with communications partners across the region, and proactively support media visits to the hospital.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone confident and capable in generating outputs that really connect with audiences. You’ll be comfortable balancing multiple projects and priorities under pressure.

Communicating about research clearly and accurately can be challenging. We’re looking for someone who can cut through complexity to give audiences reasons to care and the key messages.

Familiarity with communications in the NHS R&D, National Institute for Health and Care Research and/or clinical academic environment is desirable. However what you’ll need above all is initiative, an appetite for challenging content and demonstrable ability in delivering in complex environments.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• Educated to Degree l or equivalent level or experience.
• Qualification in digital communications related discipline, or equivalent experience.
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Experience of working in a communication, writing, or editing role, either in print or online Working with a style guide. Working in an office environment and using MS Office systems.
• Practical experience and knowledge of content creation and/or management systems.
• Experience of design work and working with external designers and photographers.
  
  

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together