Further Information

Science Officer Role Description

Reports to: Board of Trustees
Salary: £35,000 p.a. reviewed following 6 month probation period

Purpose

We want a world where both humans and animals have better opportunities to benefit equitably from medical progress because vets, doctors and researchers routinely collaborate and share – this is One Medicine.

We drive collaboration between vets, doctors and researchers so that humans and animals benefit from medical progress, but not at one another’s expense.

The Science Officer (SO) will be a key member of the executive team leading the work of the Humanimal Trust. The SO will be responsible for driving support for the Trust and its vision among the professional healthcare community, both human and veterinary.

The SO role is to:

• Increase awareness and improve understanding of One Medicine, engaging researchers, doctors, vets policymakers and influencers, as well as members of the public, showing the evidence and demonstrating the case for change
• Facilitate collaboration between human and veterinary medicine, by supporting and promoting opportunities created by The Humanimal Trust for professionals to come together
• Create and roll out an education program, to inspire the professionals of the future to take the One Medicine message forward for the benefit of both humans and animals
• Drive support to The Humanimal Trust so that we can develop our work and continue to facilitate One Medicine

Main Role Activities

• Overall leadership of the science knowledge base – gathering information, fact-checking rigorously, and disseminating scientific, medical and clinical knowledge
• Networking to gain contact with key influencers within organisations that can assist the change
• Management of the research programme – establishing criteria for awarding research grants, liaising with the Peer Review panels, and liaising with researchers
• Communicating with the Trust staff team to explain the scientific basis for the research programmes, and aiding them in presenting this to potential funders and supporters
• Building constructive and collaborative relationships with other funding bodies such as MRC, Wellcome, etc. and look to run jointly-funded projects
• Assist in building collaborations with sponsors, partners and universities
• Identifying and attending professional conferences and events across the country to deliver the key messages of The Humanimal Trust to attendees, through speaking opportunities and/or managing exhibition stand activities
• Identifying opportunities to appeal to the professionals of the future through educational activities with schools, colleges and universities as well as One Medicine/One Health university society initiatives
• Develop and manage a team of scientifically trained professional volunteers to assist with appropriate event support, speaking engagements and other relevant activities
• Manage any grant-writing professionals used by the Trust
• Provide content for newsletters and websites about the work of the charity and emerging themes in One Medicine globally
• Oversee the moderation of the Humanimal Hub, an online forum to be established by the Trust

Essential Skills

• Experience of pre-award grant administration in a science-/research-based organisation
• Self-confidence with strong interpersonal skills able to relate to, and work with, individuals at senior levels both within the charity and externally
• Ability to influence and persuade
• Proven written and oral communication skills
• Strong and engaging presentation skills – public speaking will be a significant part of the role
• Very strong organised approach; ability to multi-task and work to competing and often tight deadlines. Manage complex processes involving a number of individuals
• Empathy, enthusiasm and understanding of the objectives of The Humanimal Trust and of One Medicine
• Strong team player
• Proven attention to detail
• Proficient IT user, familiar with word processing, spreadsheet, database & presentation software packages
• A strong desire to make a positive difference to the world
• We are a young, ambitious and growing charity. The right candidate will be self-motivated and a self-starter

Desirable Skills

• Biological science background (first degree); second degree (PhD)
• Experience of reviewing grant terms and conditions in a science-/research-based organisation
• Working knowledge of Intellectual Property
• Working knowledge of the regulatory framework for human and animal medicine approvals. (FDA, MHRA etc.)
• Experience of post-award grant administration in a science-/research-based organisation

Terms

• The position will be based in Godalming, Surrey
• Consideration will be given to flexible work arrangements
• Ability and willingness to travel 
• Flexible availability to enable occasional attendance at evening or weekend events
• The position is a full-time position, but consideration will also be given to a three or four day week to suit the right candidate