IFST is hiring! We are looking for a Communications Officer to reach and excite more people about our work to promote food science and technology for the benefit, safety, and health of everyone.
In this role you will be a core member of our small Communications team, working closely with the Head of Knowledge, Learning and Communications. You will lead on day-to-day content creation and digital communications across IFST's platforms, helping to raise the profile of the Institute with members, prospective members, and the wider public.
Your responsibilities include:
Social media: creating engaging copy and visuals across IFST's social media channels, producing graphics (including still images, carousels and reels) using Canva, InDesign and Adobe Creative Cloud, planning and scheduling content via Buffer, and managing campaigns around key themes and IFST priorities.
Publications and digital communications: writing for the FS&T Magazine (including IFST News, commissioning and editorial), designing and issuing monthly member newsletters and targeted email campaigns, creating Factsheets and Technical Briefs, updating the IFST website, and providing quarterly Board reports using Google Analytics data.
Events and wider team support: attending IFST events to produce high-quality multimedia content and providing general administrative support to the team.
You will be a confident, inspiring communicator, with a talent for getting to the core of a topic and explaining it clearly to a range of audiences. Experience creating content for social media platforms and in digital content creation is essential, as is a BSc or equivalent qualification/ experience. We are a small team, so a proactive and can-do attitude is just as important as your communications skills.
The post will be full-time (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday) and office-based (Hammersmith, London) with occasional homeworking in accordance with business needs. Occasional travel will be necessary, such as to IFST and external events.
Click here to view the full job description.
Salary commences at £27,000 per annum, plus benefits upon successful completion of probationary period - these include Group Life Assurance, Group Income Protection, Employee Assistance Programme, Pension, and a wealth of other benefits available via the Enjoy Benefits and Bright Exchange platforms.
To Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience, skills and what attracts you to this role. Please ensure you have read the person specification in full. Please note that any CVs received without an accompanying cover letter will not be considered. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
All applications must be emailed to recruitment@ifst.org. We will look at applications as we receive them, and if we think you could be right for the role, we will ask you to meet us.
Should you have any questions about the role, please contact recruitment@ifst.org
The deadline for applying to this role is Friday 14 August 2026, however we may close this sooner if we receive a large volume of applications.
(No agencies, please)
IFST's EDI Statement:
The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) recognises that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for innovation and excellence in scientific endeavours. We recognise the importance and benefits of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and eliminating discrimination in every aspect of our work. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, IFST aims to drive positive change and advance the field of food science for the benefit of society.
We aim to ensure that no individual or group is treated more or less favourably than others on grounds of sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity/paternity or religion.
We work to comply with all the legislation related to equal opportunities to ensure that the culture, philosophy and processes within IFST are free from bias of any kind.
We actively encourage applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women.