Apply to be a Science Communication Officer

Are you passionate about science communication and skilled at writing for different audiences? If you have a background in science or research, an interest in addiction, and proven writing and editing experience, apply to be a Science Communication Officer with the Society for the Study of Addiction.

About the role

The Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA) is a UK registered charity with a mission to advance the scientific understanding of addictive products and behaviours and the use of this knowledge in policy and practice. The SSA owns two academic journals, runs the largest scientific conference on addiction in the UK, and funds master’s degrees, PhDs, and fellowships in addiction science. From Autumn 2025, the SSA will also lead the flagship Addiction Healthcare Goals Research Leadership Programme, in partnership with the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences.

The SSA is seeking two Science Communication Officers to help build the charity’s online presence and communicate the charity’s mission. This will include contributing to, and helping to run, the SSA’s website, podcasts, newsletters, and social media platforms.

The ideal candidates will be self-driven, hold themselves to a high standard, and will appreciate that the small details make a big difference.

What you’ll do

Writing

• Write newsletters and emails for the SSA’s mailing lists
• Write short news articles and career resources for the website
• Write copy for the SSA’s digital platforms and events
• Repurpose content (e.g. turn podcast episodes into short articles)
• Write long-form features (1–2,000 words), including essays, commentaries, opinion pieces, and investigations

Editing and proofreading

• Proofread internal documents and memos
• Proofread external communications materials
• Provide support and detailed feedback to website contributors, ensuring that they submit high-quality articles

Creating content

• Pitch ideas for content
• Prepare social media content, including the visual element (graphic, photo, or video), hook, body text, call to action, hashtags, and mentions
• Conduct interviews for the purpose of creating content and demonstrating impact
• Produce promotional materials, including adverts, case studies, and presentations

Supporting and delivering events

• Attend and help to plan/run the SSA’s in-person and online events
• Host educational webinars
• Host workshops and virtual groups

Working as part of the Communications team

• Help to deliver the Communications Strategy
• Follow and ensure others’ adherence to the SSA’s brand guidelines
• Represent the Communications team in meetings and at external events
• Deliver presentations on behalf of the Communications team
• Work with Addiction and Addiction Biology to promote the journals, including new research, reviews, and editorials
• Work with appointed SSA contractors to help with the design and development of digital products
• Track key performance indicators
• Stay up to date with and analyse developments in addiction policy, research, and treatment

What we’re looking for

Essential criteria

• Proven writing and editing experience, with the ability to tailor style and tone for different audiences and platforms
• Background in science or research (e.g. degree-level qualification or professional experience)
• Demonstrable interest in addiction (e.g. policy, research, or treatment)
• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly and accessibly
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in written and visual content
• Experience producing digital content (e.g. newsletters, website articles, podcasts, and social media)
• Ability to work independently and proactively, with strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team and with external contributors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including confidence in representing the organisation externally
• Commitment to the SSA’s mission of advancing the scientific understanding of addictive products and behaviours and the use of this knowledge in policy and practice

Desirable criteria 

• Experience in the field of addiction
• Experience in health, science, or academic communication
• Familiarity with academic publishing
• Experience in supporting or delivering events, such as conferences, webinars, or workshops
• Skills in visual content creation (e.g. graphic design, video editing, or podcast production)
• Understanding of digital marketing and analytics
• Experience working with a charity, membership organisation, or learned Society
• Experience conducting interviews and producing compelling stories or case studies
• Knowledge of the UK and/or international landscape for addiction policy, research, and treatment
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to contributors and collaborators

How to apply

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is fair and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to apply for this role or to attend an interview, please contact Natalie Davies.

To apply for this role, you will need to submit two online forms:

• An application form: this will ask for information including your contact details and references, and prompt you to upload a CV, cover letter, and a short portfolio (2–3 examples) of your written work
• A diversity monitoring form: you will be re-directed to this once you have submitted the application form; it is a mandatory part of the application process, but you have a right not to disclose sensitive personal information and can do this via selecting ‘Prefer not to say’ for any of the answers

The cover letter should explain how you meet the essential (and desirable) criteria for the role and why you think you would be a good fit with the SSA.

Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom. If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to participate in tasks to assess your proficiency at writing and/or editing.

Please contact the SSA’s Head of Communications, Natalie Davies, if you have any questions or would like an informal discussion about the role.