Content Designer - Cancer Patient Information Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer - Cancer Patient Information Services

Company: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

Location: Stratford, London, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME, TEMPORARY (12-month fixed-term contract)

Category: Content Design / Health Information Services

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (estimated 2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and creation of innovative content prototypes to enhance cancer patient information services, focusing on modular and reusable formats across diverse channels.

• Champion user-centred design principles and best practices in content strategy, leveraging data analytics and user research to drive informed decision-making.

• Collaborate within a new, agile Service Development Unit to test, personalize, and tailor information journeys for patient audiences, increasing engagement and impact.

• Ensure all content created adheres to accessibility standards, plain English, and health literacy best practices, making vital information easily understandable and usable.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a newly formed Service Development Unit, indicating a focus on innovation, experimentation, and agile methodologies. The primary goal is to adapt and personalize information services for cancer patients and their families, moving beyond traditional long-form content. The emphasis on "reimagining and experimenting" suggests a dynamic environment where new approaches to content delivery are highly valued.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Champion and demonstrate best practices in user-centred content design, influencing the strategic direction of information formats and channel utilization within the unit.

• Design and produce content prototypes in various formats (long-form, short-form, audio-visual) for testing within unit experiments, directly supporting the redesign of patient information delivery.

• Utilize analytics and user research findings to inform content decisions, measure the performance of tested content, and recommend strategic improvements.

• Develop content briefs for internal teams, freelancers, or agencies to create supplementary text, image, and audio-visual assets, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across patient information services, the creative studio, content excellence teams, and UX functions to foster integrated content development.

• Ensure all prototyped content considers accessibility, adheres to plain English principles, and meets health literacy standards for diverse patient audiences.

• Contribute to effective, fast-paced team working within the Service Development Unit, embracing agile and sprint-based methodologies.

• Support partnerships with external agencies and freelancers when required for additional content production and specialized expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role involves rapid prototyping and iterative testing of content formats. Responsibilities are heavily geared towards experimentation and data-driven iteration rather than solely large-scale content production. The emphasis on "repurposing existing long-form information into modular, reusable formats" highlights a key strategic objective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in a related field such as Communications, Journalism, English, Digital Media, or a relevant design discipline would be beneficial.

Experience: Demonstrated professional experience in content design, digital content creation, or a similar user-focused content role.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centred content design principles and application across a range of digital channels.

• Proven experience in creating and testing content prototypes in various formats for public or patient audiences.

• Proficiency in using data, analytics, and user research to inform strategic content decisions and measure performance.

• Comfort and motivation working within an agile, sprint-based environment, embracing test-and-learn approaches.

• Strong knowledge of accessibility standards, plain English, and health literacy best practices for inclusive content.

• Familiarity with digital and AI tools for content prototyping and production.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the charity sector, specifically in cancer or other health information services.

• Experience in cross-functional, fast-paced teams focused on service innovation.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing workflows.

• Experience with UX research methodologies and applying insights to content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "What you'll bring" section directly outlines the required skills. The preferred skills suggest that candidates with specific industry or team dynamic experience will be at an advantage, particularly those who have worked in similar innovative, cross-functional settings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing user-centred content design projects, ideally with examples of content prototyping and testing.

• Include case studies that highlight how data, analytics, and user research informed content strategy and led to measurable improvements.

• Showcase examples of content adapted for multiple channels and formats, illustrating the ability to create modular and reusable content.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've documented content design processes, including user journey mapping, information architecture, and content audits.

• Illustrations of your approach to iterative content development and testing, including sprint-based workflows.

• Demonstration of how you analyze content performance metrics and translate findings into actionable recommendations for optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly detailed as "portfolio requirements," the "What you'll bring" section and the "What you'll do" responsibilities strongly imply the need for a portfolio that showcases these specific capabilities. Candidates should prepare to present examples of their prototyping, user-centred design process, and data-informed content decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum (GBP).

Benefits:

• Generous benefits package (specifics to be detailed upon inquiry or during the application process, but often includes pension contributions, life assurance, and holiday allowance).

• Wide range of career and personal development opportunities, including training and skill enhancement.

• Support for wellbeing, indicating a focus on employee health and work-life balance.

• Access to high-quality tools and resources to support work.

Working Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated. Benefits are described broadly, aligning with typical offerings for a large non-profit organization. The mention of specific office days (1-2 per week) for a hybrid role is also crucial for planning. The salary benchmark of £40,000-£45,000 for a Content Designer in London with 2-5 years of experience is competitive and reflects the specialized nature of user-centred content design within a health context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Cancer Research and Patient Support.

Company Size: Cancer Research UK is a large, established organization, likely employing several thousand people globally. The "25M page views, 150,000 members, 13,000 contacts answered" metrics highlight the scale of their patient information services.

Founded: Cancer Research UK was formed in 2002 through the merger of the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. This history suggests a deep-rooted commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within a newly created Service Development Unit, part of the Cancer Patient Information Services team, under the Policy, Information and Communications Directorate.

• This new unit is described as "agile" and "innovation-focused," suggesting a dynamic and experimental team structure.

Methodology:

• The unit will operate using agile and sprint-based methodologies, emphasizing a "test-and-learn" approach.

• Content design will be driven by user research and data analytics to inform strategic decisions and personalize patient journeys.

• Emphasis on creating modular, reusable content formats for multi-channel delivery.

Company Website: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: CRUK's mission to "beat cancer" is central to its culture. The creation of a new Service Development Unit signals a strategic investment in modernizing how they deliver information, moving towards more adaptive and user-centric digital experiences. The culture values boldness, credibility, humanity, and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-level (P2 grade) for a Content Designer. It involves demonstrating expertise, leading content design practices within the unit, and mentoring others through example. It's not an entry-level position but offers significant scope for shaping new services.

Reporting Structure: The Content Designer reports to the Senior Service Development Lead. This indicates a direct line of reporting within the new unit, with opportunities to influence senior leadership on content strategy.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families by making critical health information more accessible, understandable, and relevant. Success means enhancing engagement with CRUK's information services (website, helpline, online communities) and ultimately supporting better health outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in user-centred content design, agile content development, and the application of AI tools in content creation.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to shape content strategies for new service initiatives and potentially lead content efforts in future projects within the Service Development Unit or broader Directorate.

• Industry Experience: Gain valuable experience in health information services, non-profit sector operations, and innovative digital content strategies within a large, reputable organization.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into Senior Content Designer roles, Content Strategist positions, or Service Design leadership within CRUK or similar organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "P2" grade suggests a level of responsibility beyond junior roles, requiring independent work and strategic input. The fixed-term nature of the contract could be a stepping stone to a permanent role if successful, or provide intensive experience in a specialized area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily office-based in Stratford, London, with a hybrid model allowing 1-2 days per week in the office. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): 2 Redman Place, Stratford, London. This location is likely in a contemporary business district with good transport links.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "agile" and "innovation-focused," implying a dynamic and collaborative workspace conducive to experimentation and rapid iteration.

• Expect access to digital and AI tools for content prototyping and production, as well as standard office technology.

• Opportunities for close collaboration with a small, focused team within the Service Development Unit and wider cross-functional teams.

Work Schedule: The 35-hour work week is standard, with the hybrid arrangement providing flexibility. While the core hours are fixed, the agile methodology might allow for some flexibility in task management within sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup with specific office days aims to balance collaboration and flexibility. The "agile" nature of the unit suggests a less rigid, more project-oriented work style compared to traditional departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Anonymized Shortlisting: CVs are not viewed initially; assessment is based on the completed online application form, including work history and application questions. This promotes fairness and objectivity.

• Stage 1: Competency Questions and Task: The primary assessment will involve answering competency-based questions and completing a task, likely designed to evaluate core content design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Interview Date: Interviews are scheduled to commence from May 5, 2026.

• Portfolio Review: While not explicitly detailed as a separate stage, a portfolio demonstrating the required skills will be crucial for showcasing practical experience during the interview or task.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your user-centred approach. For each project, detail the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the tools used, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Prototyping & Iteration: Specifically include examples of content prototypes you've created and how you used testing and feedback to iterate and improve them. Emphasize the "test-and-learn" aspect.

• Demonstrate Data-Informed Decisions: Showcase projects where you used analytics or user research to guide your content strategy and design choices. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%", "reduced bounce rate by Y%").

• Showcase Accessibility & Health Literacy: Include examples where you've applied plain English, health literacy principles, and accessibility standards. Explain your considerations and how you met these requirements.

• Tailor to CRUK's Mission: If possible, frame your projects in a way that resonates with CRUK's mission of beating cancer and supporting patients.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a task that requires you to apply content design principles to a real-world scenario related to patient information. This might involve analyzing existing content, proposing improvements, or creating a small prototype.

• Prepare to articulate your thought process clearly, explaining how you would approach a content design challenge using user research, data, and iterative methods.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with agile methodologies and how you handle ambiguity or rapidly changing project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The anonymized shortlisting emphasizes the importance of thoroughly completing the online application questions and work history. The single-stage interview with a task suggests a direct and efficient hiring process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Prototyping Tools: Expect to use a range of digital and potentially AI-powered tools for creating prototypes. Examples might include Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or specialized content prototyping software.

• AI Tools: The job description explicitly mentions "digital and AI tools and platforms for content prototyping and production." This could involve AI writing assistants, content generation tools, or AI-driven analytics platforms.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): While not explicitly listed, familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or custom solutions) used for publishing digital content would be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Proficiency with tools like Google Analytics to analyze website traffic, user behavior, and content performance.

• User Research Tools: Experience with platforms for user surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com).

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret data and potentially create simple visualizations to communicate insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how content integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms might be beneficial for context, but not a core requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "digital and AI tools" suggests a forward-thinking approach to content creation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific tools and their willingness to learn new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Bold: Acting with ambition, courage, and determination to drive progress against the mission to beat cancer. This applies to experimenting with new content formats and challenging existing approaches.

• Credible: Acting with rigor and professionalism in all aspects of work, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information provided to patients.

• Human: Acting to have a positive impact on people, demonstrating empathy and understanding for the needs of cancer patients and their families.

• Together: Acting inclusively and collaboratively, working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with various departments (patient information, creative studio, content excellence, UX), necessitating strong communication and teamwork.

• Agile & Iterative: The team operates in a fast-paced, sprint-based manner, valuing continuous feedback, adaptation, and a willingness to experiment.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing insights from user research and analytics to collectively improve content strategies and service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply embedded in CRUK's mission. For this role, demonstrating how you embody "Bold" (innovation), "Human" (patient focus), and "Together" (collaboration) will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to New Models: Transitioning from traditional long-form content to modular, reusable formats requires a shift in thinking and process.

• Rapid Experimentation: Working in an agile, test-and-learn environment means embracing ambiguity and potentially frequent changes in direction based on experiment results.

• Balancing Innovation and Rigor: The need to innovate and experiment must be balanced with CRUK's commitment to providing credible, accurate, and accessible health information.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively collaborating with diverse teams (medical experts, content specialists, UX designers) to ensure content meets all requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Content Strategy & Design Specialization: Intensive focus on user-centred design, prototyping, and agile content development methodologies.

• Digital & AI Tool Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience with modern tools for content creation and analysis.

• Health Information Sector Exposure: Deepening understanding of the unique challenges and best practices in communicating health information to vulnerable audiences.

• Impactful Contribution: The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by cancer through improved information services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designed to push boundaries in how health information is delivered, offering a unique challenge in a mission-driven organization. The limited-term contract could be seen as an opportunity to gain specialized experience quickly.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research or data analytics to significantly improve a piece of content or a content strategy." (Focus on your process, the insights gained, the changes made, and the measurable impact.)

• "How would you approach creating modular, reusable content from a long-form expert document for multiple channels (e.g., website, social media, patient leaflet)?" (Outline your steps, considering user needs, channel constraints, and content hierarchy.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Cancer Research UK and our mission to beat cancer?" (Connect your personal values and career goals to the organization's purpose.)

• "How do you embody our organizational values of Bold, Credible, Human, and Together in your work?" (Provide specific examples related to content design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk the interviewer through the narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your user-centred design process, including research, prototyping, and iteration. Show how you arrived at your solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss anticipated impact or qualitative feedback.

• Highlight Adaptability: Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to work with different content types, channels, and audience needs, especially those involving health literacy or accessibility.

• Be Ready for a Task: Prepare to discuss your approach to the provided task, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and content design thinking in real-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes competency and practical application. Be prepared to articulate your thought process and demonstrate your skills through examples and potentially a practical task.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly highlights experience in user-centred content design, prototyping, agile methodologies, and working with digital/AI tools. Tailor it to the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined.

• Application Questions: Thoroughly complete the work history section and answer all application questions on the online form, as this is used for initial anonymized shortlisting. Focus on demonstrating your competencies and relevant experience in detail.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work, focusing on user-centred design, content prototyping, data-informed decisions, and accessibility. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail during the interview stage.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cancer Research UK's mission, values, and current patient information services. Understand their strategic goals for innovation in information delivery.

• Prepare for the Task: Anticipate the competency-based task and be ready to apply your content design skills to a relevant scenario. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.