Research manager jobs in Edinburgh

Do you have experience in research communications and the ability to translate complex scientific or research information, in an engaging and accessible way, for non-specialist audiences? Would you like to shape and steward a compelling research narrative that clearly communicates scientific discovery and the real-world benefit for people affected by dementia?

About the role
We are recruiting for a Senior Research Communications Manager to join on a full-time, permanent contract working 35 hours per week. This is a home-based role, with occasional travel required for conferences, events and in-person stakeholder or team meetings.

As Senior Research Communications Manager you will champion our research. By making complex science accessible, engaging and meaningful you will ensure breakthroughs are widely understood and effectively communicated. You will translate evidence into inspiring stories, positioning Alzheimer’s Society as a trusted leader in dementia research and motivating more people to join us in driving change.

In this new role, you will lead our organisational approach to research communications, working strategically and collaboratively across the charity to embed research narratives across major organisational priorities and campaigns. You will manage and develop the research communications team, creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered and able to contribute their best work.

Your leadership and in-house expertise will ensure that research communications activity is insight-led and effectively integrated with wider communications channels and audiences. You will oversee the translation of complex research portfolios into clear, audience-led messaging. By representing Alzheimer’s Society at conferences, events and in the media, you will help to raise the profile of our research and ensure it resonates across internal and external audiences.

Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled for Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th June.

About you
Joining us, you’ll have extensive experience in research communications in a research, academic of charity environment. You’ll have the ability to translate complex scientific or research information, in an engaging and accessible way, for non-specialist audiences. You’ll be able to oversee the development and delivery of insight-led communications strategies and plans, designed to support wider organisational priorities.

Crucially, you’ll be a credible and persuasive communicator with the ability to influence others, manage and develop high-performing teams and build positive, collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll also have experience of evaluating communications activity and using insight to improve reach, quality and impact.

This position will play a vital role in ensuring that research resonates across internal and external audiences, ultimately helping us to end the devastation caused by dementia.

What you’ll focus on:

- Leading, and evolving the organisation-wide strategy for research communications, ensuring research is positioned as a core organisational asset that advances the charity’s strategy and mission.
- Ensuring that research communications support our research strategy by engaging and inspiring a wider range of researchers across disciplines and career pathways.
- Acting as a senior expert on research communications internally, providing strategic leadership, influencing and advising across the organisation, including at a senior level.
- Working collaboratively and autonomously across the charity to ensure research communications are embedded strategically into major organisational campaigns, moments and corporate storytelling, including across fundraising, brand, media, policy and influencing.
- Setting the direction and tone for how complex research is communicated to our external audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy and relevance.
- Using insight and performance data and feedback to evaluate the impact of research communications activity, to continuously refine messaging, formats and channels.
- Managing, inspiring and developing a high performing research communications team, building depth of expertise and strategic confidence and embedding a culture of test, learn and continuous improvement.

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.  

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.     

Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? We know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart. 

Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.