We are seeking a part-time Science Communication Officer to work with Prof Peter Jarvis and Mrs Jackie Whelan in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Cranfield University. In this role, you will support the outreach activities of a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in the Cranfield Water Science Institute, and support our teaching programmes.
The Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) CDT is a training centre for PhD students in a collaboration between Cranfield University, Newcastle University and the University of Sheffield. The WIRe Programme will deliver transformational and world-leading research to safeguard civic water quality, alleviate the effects of climate change on our water systems, and advance sector carbon-neutrality ambitions. Students undertake an enriching training programme to ensure graduates have the capacity to drive change in the sector and have a deep appreciation for the complexity and interconnectivity of people, water and critical civic infrastructure. You can find more information about the CDT here:
About the Role
As the Science Communication Officer for the CDT, based at Cranfield University, your role will entail close collaboration with the academics, students and the management team across the partner universities. You will actively facilitate the exchange of knowledge and impact derived from the research and training activities of the CDT. This will involve: engaging stakeholders and wider interested communities through our website, social media, blogs, trade magazines, e-bulletins etc; support with the delivery and communication from CDT training and outreach events (including conferences, science fairs, and our annual Summer Challenge week). You will support with student recruitment campaigns and additional outreach across the Institute as required. The overall goal is to ensure that the activities from the CDT are communicated to a broader audience, ensuring that the knowledge generated contributes to the achievement of stable, safe water delivery to customers and the return of water back to the environment for multiple beneficial purposes.
About You
The ideal candidate will have experience of working in external communications in a scientific or engineering context. They will possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Media and Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Alternatively, a scientist or engineering graduate actively working in science communication would also be considered for the role. Proficient in stakeholder engagement and communication strategy development, they will have a strong grasp of concepts and terminology related to science and engineering. With a keen eye for detail and excellent communication skills, both written and oral, they will effectively convey complex ideas to diverse audiences. Furthermore, their collaborative mindset, strong networking abilities, and problem-solving skills will enable them to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Proactive and creative, they will stay updated on advancements in the field and continuously enhance their professional skills to drive impactful communication strategies.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.
You will be associated with the Cranfield Water Science Institute led by Prof Peter Jarvis. The Water Science Institute undertakes globally leading research and post graduate teaching in water and wastewater process science, engineering, governance and policy to: propel sustainable solutions to combat the multiple threats and challenges being faced by our water resources, assets and services; deliver collaborative cutting-edge discovery science on the transformation, removal and recovery processes in water wastewater treatment systems; and equip graduates with the technical and management skills to elicit change and transformation.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.
We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact, Prof Peter Jarvis on (T) 01234 750111: or (E): p.jarvis@cranfield.ac.uk or Mrs Jackie Whelan on (T) 01234 750 111: or (E): jackie.whelan@cranfield.ac.uk
Apply online now. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 4987
Closing date for receipt of applications: 9 January 2025
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .