Overview
UK MND Research Institute Research Communications Manager – INTERNAL ONLY – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
About Us
The UK MND Research Institute (UK MND RI) is a national initiative with a vital and urgent mission: to accelerate the search for a cure for motor neuron disease (MND). Established in 2023, the Institute brings together leading scientists, clinicians, patients, charities, and industry partners to transform the landscape of translational MND research across the UK. The Institute is guided by a clear vision to identify effective therapies for MND through coordinated national efforts. Our mission is to drive forward progress by focusing on and expanding research, infrastructure, and resources across six partner universities and multiple funding bodies. The institute is unique in that it is the UK’s first virtual MND Institute, hosted by King’s College London.
Our collaborative model is designed to maximise impact, reduce duplication, and ensure that promising discoveries move swiftly from the laboratory to clinical trials so that they can reach patients as quickly as possible.
Now entering our second phase, the UK MND RI is focused on scaling its operations and deepening its strategic partnerships. Over the next five years, we will leverage targeted government investment alongside charitable and industry co-funding to:
- Advance understanding of MND through cutting-edge basic and translational research
- Develop new treatments by identifying and validating therapeutic targets
- Accelerate clinical testing of the most promising therapies through coordinated trial infrastructure
The Institute’s work is structured around three core themes: understanding MND, developing treatments, and testing treatments. These pillars are designed to tackle the disease, from molecular mechanisms to patient-centred clinical research. With a growing operational team and a national platform for collaboration, the UK MND RI is in a unique position to deliver meaningful progress for people living with MND.
About the role
The Research Communications Manager will lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of the UK MND Research Institute’s communications strategy, ensuring the Institute’s work is effectively positioned with researchers, clinicians, funders, policymakers, patients, and the wider public. This is a strategic role responsible for advising leadership, managing reputational risk, overseeing significant projects, and strengthening the Institute’s national and international profile as the UK’s hub for translational MND research. The post holder will manage complex communications across a growing multi-institutional partnership, coordinating activity across universities, charities, industry, and government, and providing authoritative expertise on research communications. As the Institute moves into Phase 2, the role will be central in shaping narrative, building networks, and ensuring communications are aligned with long-term goals, funding objectives, and stakeholder needs. Alongside this, the post holder will support the development of the Institute’s policy and influencing capacity, helping to raise the profile of MND research with government and other decision-makers.
This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2030.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
