Main Purpose of the Job

The Communications Assistant will contribute to the delivery of communications activity across the Communications Team, helping to raise the profile of Earlham Institute’s science with public, media, scientific, policy, and internal audiences.

This is a broad, hands-on role suited to someone early in their communications career who wants to build communication skills in media relations, digital content, events, and public engagement within a scientific research environment.

We're looking for a brilliant organiser and a natural communicator who will bring enthusiasm to the role: curiosity about the science, energy for the work, and a real willingness to learn and grow as a communications professional.

Key Relationships

Earlham Institute Staff and Students 
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Internal communications 
Create engaging written and designed content for internal Earlham Institute audiences, raising awareness of institute initiatives, supporting communication training and sharing information through a range of communications channels

Support the planning and delivery of internal communication meetings and events, including drafting briefing materials, key messages, and follow-up communications 

25

Content and digital 
Support content creation of engaging multimedia social content  

Draft copy for web, social media and newsletters 

25

Events and public engagement 
Provide support for Earlham Institute events, alongside other operational and research teams including our upcoming Open Day, exhibitions, and public engagement activities such as the Norwich Science Festival 

Capture different types of content at events for use across social media/web including photography, videography and scientific writing

25

Communications coordination 
Triage the general communications inbox, responding to routine enquiries directly and flagging others to the right team member

Support coordination across communication projects and advocacy work where multiple teams are involved 

15

Other 
As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post 

10

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

A-level or equivalent qualification/experience

Essential

A degree in a relevant field (communications, media, journalism, English, science, or similar) - though we welcome applications from candidates with equivalent experience

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Confident, professional use of social media platforms (e.g. LinkedIn, Instagram)

Essential

Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences and channels

Essential

Experience using content management systems (e.g. WordPress)

Desirable

Experience using design or multimedia tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, basic video editing)

Desirable

Understanding of, or interest in, life sciences, genomics, or scientific research

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Some experience in a communications, marketing, PR, journalism, or related role (this can include internships, placements, voluntary work, or a student union/society role)

Essential

Experience with media monitoring or supporting press/media relations activity

Essential

Experience supporting events or exhibitions

Desirable

Experience working in a research, higher education, or scientific organisation

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence liaising with colleagues, researchers, and external contacts

Essential

Well organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously

Essential

A collaborative, team-oriented approach

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly to non-specialist audiences

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

A genuine interest in science communication and/or public engagement with research

Essential

Willingness to occasionally work outside standard hours to support events (e.g. Open Day)

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute harnesses the power of data-driven biology to accelerate solutions for health, biodiversity, and food security. Based at Norwich Research Park, the Earlham Institute is one of eight institutes strategically funded by BBSRC.

Our science combines world-class technology, interdisciplinary expertise, and training and development across genomics, engineering biology and data science, to decode the scale and complexity of living systems.

We believe we can achieve more if we work together. That's why we collaborate with the global science community and industry partners, while also inspiring the next generation of scientists and technical specialists.

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make biological predictions.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure.

We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe.

Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that treats every individual with dignity and respect. By taking an active approach to fostering inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility, we empower our community to achieve more.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

• Our Vision and Mission
• Our Strategy
• Our Culture
• Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Communications Group

Group Details

The Communications team has a focus that spans the scientific and marketing communications landscape. We work across digital, creative design and public relations to communicate our research to a range of audiences both locally and internationally. The latest technology, data analytics and media monitoring tools are used to stay up to date in the exciting world of modern biology.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Communications Assistant

Applications are invited for a Communications Assistant to join the Communications Group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Communications team has a focus that spans the scientific and marketing communications landscape. We work across digital, creative design and public relations to communicate our research to a range of audiences both locally and internationally. The latest technology, data analytics and media monitoring tools are used to stay up to date in the exciting world of modern biology.

The role:

We’re looking for a Communications Assistant to join our Communications Team and contribute to the delivery of communications activity across the team, helping to raise the profile of the Earlham Institute’s science with public, media, scientific, policy and internal audiences.

This is a broad and hands-on role, and it would suit someone early in their communications career who wants to build their skills across media relations, digital content, events and public engagement, all within a scientific research environment. You’ll work on a real variety of projects, from writing for our website and social channels to helping bring our Open Day and public events to life, with opportunities to gain experience in all aspects of science communication.

Above all, we’re looking for a brilliant organiser and a natural communicator who will bring curiosity about the science, energy for the work and a real willingness to learn and grow as a communications professional. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

The ideal candidate:

You’ll need excellent written and verbal communication skills, confidence using social media, and some experience in communications or a related area, which can include internships, volunteering or student roles. You’ll also have a genuine interest in science communication and be willing to support occasional events outside normal working hours.

Additional information:

This is a full-time post for a contract until 31 March 2028.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £25,100 to £27,500 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

Interviews are planned for week beginning 7 December 2026.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 30 November 2026.