Employment Opportunities

The HSA is a small organisation but from time to time there are vacancies for positions in our technical team or for staff in functions such as communications and administration. Vacancies are advertised on this page of our website.

Current vacancies

Salary: £25,249 - £30,378 (£15,149 - £18,226 pro-rata) 
Contract: permanent 
Working pattern: part time, 0.6 FTE, 21 hours/week 
Workplace: remote 

Are you a talented communicator who shares our passion for using scientific evidence to benefit the lives of animals? Can you help us to disseminate knowledge about animal welfare to a wide range of audiences?  

We, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA), are two sister charities focused on the promotion of scientific, evidence-based approaches to animal welfare. We fund research, support the animal welfare science community, and advocate for evidence-based improvements to animal welfare worldwide. Communicating animal welfare science to both specialist audiences and the wider public is key to turning knowledge into real-world improvements in animal welfare. We are seeking a Scientific Communications and Content Assistant to join our talented Scientific Communications Team during an exciting period of growth and change for both charities.  

The Scientific Communications and Content Assistant will support us to deliver our scientific communications strategy by helping to draft, design and publish engaging content for our print and digital platforms. This includes assisting with the creation of visual and written content that effectively convey complex scientific information to our diverse audiences.  

The role will report to our Scientific Communications and Outreach Manager and work closely with the Public Affairs Lead and other internal teams to create engaging content for our audiences. We are seeking candidates with strong written, editing and visual skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.  

The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of our small multi-disciplinary team and be confident to work unsupervised when necessary. You will be happy working across multiple projects, adapting to different communication styles and priorities, and keeping messaging clear and consistent across varied audiences.   

This role will be home-based. Because we’re based in the UK, the appointee will need to be UK-based and legally entitled to work in the UK. You will be expected to occasionally attend our offices in Hertfordshire to carry out duties as required and attend meetings. Travel costs and subsidence will be covered for you in these situations. The role may also require occasional travel within the UK and possibly overseas for events and other relevant activities - some of which may occur at weekends or in the evening.  

What you’ll be doing  

• Drafting copy, designing graphics/visual materials (eg using Canva) and producing content for print, web, email, and social media 
  

• Overseeing the Charities’ day-to-day social media activity, including scheduling posts, monitoring channels, and responding to engagement.  

• Assisting with the creation and dissemination of the Charities’ content including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, and digital campaign materials.  

• Liaising regularly with internal teams to stay up to date on the Charities’ activities and to plan and schedule content across channels.  

• Monitoring social media analytics and Mailchimp performance metrics to support reporting and strategy development.  

• Collaborating with internal teams, for example Fundraising, to ensure consistent messaging and branding.  

• Occasionally creating, editing and publishing video content.  

• Liaising with external agencies, partners and stakeholders.  

• Ensuring all materials and communications are accessible and inclusive.   

• Occasionally travelling within the UK and overseas for conferences, meetings and other events - some of which may take place during evenings or weekends.  

What we’re looking for  

• Proven experience in digital communications, content creation and social media.  

• Demonstrable writing and editing skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.  

• Proficiency in using social media platforms (eg LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky and YouTube) and scheduling tools such as Hootsuite.  

• Experience using graphic and content design tools such as Canva.  

• Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret performance analytics from platforms including Mailchimp, social media, Hootsuite etc.  

• Proven organisational and time management skills.  

• Experience of working collaboratively with diverse teams, with well-developed interpersonal skills.  

• Knowledge of and commitment to inclusion and accessibility.  

• Experience working within brand and tone of voice guidelines.  

• Experience creating content tailored to a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.  

• An understanding of and comfort with the Charities’ approach to animal welfare which includes co-operation with the livestock and slaughter industry, as well as laboratory animal researchers. Whilst both charities promote the highest standards of animal welfare, they do not oppose the use of animals by humans for research or food.  

It would be great if you have  

• Experience working in a charity or non-profit environment.  

• A background in science such as a BSc or relevant experience in a scientific charity or setting.  

• Knowledge of animal welfare science and practices.  

• Familiarity with website content management systems such as WordPress.  

• Experience creating and editing video content. 

• Understanding of policy communications or advocacy work.  

• Understanding of SEO, engagement metrics, and digital advertising.  

How to apply 

To arrange an informal discussion or ask any questions about the role, contact careers@ufaw.org.uk.  

Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) to CharityJob.co.uk that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October. 

First round interviews will be held online on 3 November 2025, and second round interviews held in London on 10 November 2025.  

We use anonymous recruitment at the screening stage to enable an inclusive recruitment process.   

If you need any support or adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact careers@ufaw.org.uk. 

About us  

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an international, independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity and membership organisation. UFAW’s vision is a world where the welfare of all animals affected by humans is maximised through a scientific understanding of their needs and how to meet them.   

UFAW promotes an evidence-based approach to animal welfare by funding scientific research, supporting the careers of animal welfare scientists and by disseminating animal welfare science knowledge both to experts and the wider public for example via its Animal Welfare international scientific journal. It publishes the results of peer-reviewed scientific research, technical studies, surveys and reviews relating to the welfare of kept animals and of those in the wild whose welfare is compromised by human activities.   

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) is a UK-based, independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The HSA’s vision is a world where all farmed animals are transported and killed humanely. The HSA advances and promotes the use of humane methods for the slaughter, transport and killing of farmed animals through research and education.  

Why join us?  

• Help to create a world where the welfare of all animals affected by humans is maximised through a scientific understanding of their needs and how to meet them. 

• Support our mission to promote humane transport and slaughter of all farmed animals. 

• Work for charities that influence policy, regulations and legislation that directly improve animal welfare.  

What we can offer you  

• 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after ten years of service*.   

• Flexible working, including opportunities to work from home.  

• Day one employer pension contributions of 8% of salary, into our pension scheme.  

• Access to AonProtect Assistance which includes access to counselling services, legal, tax, medical and bereavement advice   

• Access to Mental Health First Aiders with two wellbeing days per year to rest, recharge, and focus on mental, emotional, or physical health - without using annual leave.  

• Optional childcare salary sacrifice scheme.  

• Pet bereavement leave.   

• Generous sick pay policy.  

• Training and development opportunities.  

*Pro-rata for part-time employees. 

Download the Scientific Communications and Content Assistant application pack.