Salary: £24,500 pro rata plus benefits including 5% pension contribution, flexible working practices and 25 days holiday (pro rata), plus bank holidays and Christmas to New Year closure.

Details: Permanent contract (after successful completion of probationary period), 14 hours per week, negotiable working pattern.

Location: Hybrid working between the office in Oxted, Surrey and home.

About Unique

Through sharing knowledge and lived experience, Unique helps families and professionals navigate the world of chromosome and gene disorders.

Unique is a charity that provides accurate and accessible information to empower those looking for answers. Alongside this, we act as a facilitator, helping people connect with each other to share their experiences of rare gene and chromosome disorders.

We work with anyone who has been affected by, or wants to know more about, rare chromosome or gene disorders – whether that's an individual, a family, a carer, a doctor or a scientist. We believe that by working together, we can find new ways to support and celebrate people living truly unique lives.

Unique has over 30,000 members (individuals, families and professionals) globally, but our office is based in Oxted, Surrey, UK.

The role

The Scientific Communications Officer is responsible for helping the guide production team with matters relating to new and updated information guide production, as well as guide translations. Duties will include formatting guides and adding members' contributions such as quotes, testimonies and images, as well as proofreading to ensure appropriate tone.

The Scientific Communications Officer is also responsible for searching the Unique database (collating and inputting data), and other databases (eg, DECIPHER and PubMed) as well as the maintenance of guide and volunteer record keeping.

As part of the guide production team, you will play a vital role which should enable Unique to increase guide production as genetic testing and demand for information increases. You will liaise directly with medical and scientific professionals, as well as with Unique members.

This is a hybrid role which includes working in our office in Oxted each week in order to build relationships with our small, friendly team. The role may involve UK travel to attend Unique family events and occasional weekend work, for which time off in lieu is provided.

We are committed to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applicants from all parts of the community.

Key responsibilities

• Information guide editing and formatting.
• Sourcing relevant scientific papers in PubMed and from other sources.
• Identifying and contacting suitable medical/scientific professionals to author and/or review guides.
• Monitoring the existence of gene/chromosome variant specific support groups (charities, nonprofits, Facebook groups, etc).
• Searching relevant databases (eg, DECIPHER) and collating information.
• Searching the Unique database and collating information.
• Maintaining records and sending updates when necessary.
• Liaising with medical/scientific professionals regarding Unique guides.
• Liaising with Unique members in various matters regarding Unique guides.
• Uploading information guides to the Unique website.
• Working with the Unique staff team to publicise publications.

Person specification

Essential qualities, skills and experience:

• Scientific background, preferably educated to degree level or higher in a science subject.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to write clearly for a range of audiences, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Excellent understanding and empathy of the issues those affected by rare chromosome and gene disorders experience.
• A can-do attitude, with enthusiasm and creativity.
• Ability to meet agreed deadlines, prioritise workload and maximise the use of time.
• A commitment to the aims and objectives of Unique.

Desirable qualities, skills and experience:

• Experience of working in the area of disability/genetics.
• Experience of working in the charity/voluntary sector.

Additional requirements:

• To be able to work occasional evenings and weekends (for Unique family events).
• Willing to undertake occasional travel within the UK (for Unique family events).

How to apply

To apply for this role, please email a CV and cover letter to Dr Sarah Wynn (CEO of Unique) at sarah@rarechromo.org

Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in this post, and what makes you ideally suited for the role.

If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact Sarah Wynn at sarah@rarechromo.org or on +44 (0)1883 723 356, or visit our website.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13 June 2025

Interview date: Week beginning 23 June 2025.

Start date: As soon as possible after satisfactory references.