Science Communications Specialist

About

Yakult Science for Health are on a mission to empower healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge of the gut microbiota, probiotics and more. This is a chance to be part of a friendly team of nutritionists and dietitians working cross-functionally to make the science on gut health easy to digest.

This role will give you the opportunity to apply your science and nutrition knowledge and showcase your science communication and content creation skills within the rapidly exciting research area of the gut microbiome. You will work within a friendly team of Dietitians and Nutritionists. Your projects will involve working across different mediums (including social media, podcast platform, print materials and live events) and with leading researchers, social media influencers and key opinion leaders (KOLs) in gut health. You will have plenty of opportunities to build your professional network whilst attending National and International events.

Job Purpose

To support the organisation and running of a diverse range of scientific and educational activities and information (including digital resources) for healthcare professionals and scientists across the UK and Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Arrange scientific and medical conference sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, throughout the year across the UK and Ireland.
• Assist science team in the organisation of in-person and digital Yakult Science for Health events (e.g., symposiums, webinars, study day) for healthcare professionals (HCPs).
• Identify new event opportunities to raise awareness of the scientific reputation and credibility of Yakult Science for Health within the HCP community.
• Responsible for calendar and logistical planning and execution of events.
• Represent Yakult at scientific and HCP external events in UK & Ireland, as well as Yakult scientific events in Europe (e.g., International Yakult Symposium). Articulate with HCPs about research on probiotics and the gut microbiota.
• Lead social media content creation, responsible for creating assets for social campaigns and science communications, liaising with partners and KOLs. Identify opportunities for digital growth to drive traffic to Yakult HCP socials/website/resources.
• Support Microbiome Matters Podcast; defining series topic, contacting and securing speakers, preparing questions, recording and editing, promotional planning, execution and reporting analytics.
• Project lead for monthly e-newsletter; designing content, liaising with collaborative partners when necessary and digital marketing colleagues. Reporting newsletter analytics.
• Develop written scientific content for resources (e.g., factsheets, practical booklets), all aimed at the HCP and scientific communities.
• Oversee the HCP Yakult Website programming and content (WordPress).
• Attend Science Communication meetings with European Science Department and European Operating Countries (OpCos) to share UK insights.
• Support digital reporting and analytics for monthly board reports.
• Support the Love Your Gut PR initiative – writing for the blog and arranging activities within the HCP community.
• Provide nutrition education to internal Yakult Staff. Present scientific articles and new research in gut health, including latest LcS research, in lay terms and visual formats to staff (e.g., presentations, interactive workshops).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with KOLs and partner organisations.
• Support with management of placement students.
• Respond to routine enquires from HCPs/scientists.
• Work as a member of the science team to share knowledge and support key activities. This can include administrative tasks.

Key Internal Contacts

UK – Science, Management, PR, Marketing & Sales Dept.
Ireland – Sales Dept.
Europe – European Science Dept

Key External Contacts

Universities/academic, medical and research institutions [UK & Ireland]
Key organisations and bodies (i.e., British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, UK Sports Institute, Nutrition Society) [UK & Ireland]
Healthcare professionals (nutritionists, dietitians, health visitors, GP’s,medical specialists) and academics (researchers, lecturers) [UK & Ireland].

Qualifications

• BSc or above [MSc desirable] in Nutrition/Microbiology/Science Communications or related Life Sciences degree with a 2:1 or above [essential]. Will consider applications from current students due to graduate in 2025.
• RD or AfN accreditation, or awaiting accreditation [desirable]

Experience and Skills

• Strong communications skills – strong written and oral skills with the ability to translate and communicate complex scientific information to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• An interest in science communications through social media or other relevant experience demonstrating creativity and science communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and manage relationships.
• Awareness of areas of research into the gut microbiota and/or probiotics.
• 1 year experience working in food industry [desirable].
• Good organisation and time management skills with great attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks.
• Experience working both independently and with teams on projects.
• Competent IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva etc).
• Experience with website management/WordPress [desirable].
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Other Requirements

• Willing and able to travel [within UK & Europe], with overnight stays, evening and very occasionally weekend work.
• Holds a valid UK driving licence [for use of company pool car when required]

Salary

• £30,000 per annum

Start Date

• ASAP – Flexible

If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to paga@yakult.co.uk.