Content Designer - Cancer Patient Information Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer - Cancer Patient Information Services

Company: Cancer Research UK

Location: Stratford, London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract

Category: Content Design & Patient 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

• Spearhead the design and development of innovative cancer patient information content, leveraging user-centred design principles.

• Drive the creation of modular, reusable content formats to enhance engagement across diverse digital channels.

• Utilize data analytics and user research to inform content strategy and optimize user journeys.

• Champion accessibility and health literacy best practices in all content creation and prototyping efforts.

• Collaborate within a new, agile Service Development Unit focused on innovation and personalized patient experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned within a newly formed "Service Development Unit," indicating a focus on innovation, experimentation, and adapting existing information services to evolving audience engagement methods. The emphasis on "personalise and tailor the journeys" suggests a strategic shift towards more adaptive and user-specific content delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic approach to information formats and channels by demonstrating and championing content design best practices within the unit.

• Model and evaluate new content approaches, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and audience needs.

• Design and create content prototypes in various formats (long-form, short-form, audio-visual) for testing within unit experiments.

• Analyze the performance of tested content and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement and iteration.

• Develop clear briefs for internal colleagues, freelancers, or agencies to produce supplementary text, image, and audio-visual content.

• Ensure all prototyped content adheres to accessibility standards, plain English, and health literacy best practices.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across patient information services, the creative studio, content excellence, and UX functions to ensure a cohesive content strategy.

• Support partnerships with external agencies and freelancers for content production needs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership in content design and hands-on content creation and prototyping. The emphasis on "modular, reusable formats" and "repurpose existing long-form information" points to a need for strong information architecture and content strategy skills, enabling content to be easily adapted across multiple platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in a related field such as Communications, Journalism, English, UX Design, or a relevant technical discipline is typically expected for content design roles.

Experience: Proven experience in user-centred content design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating successful projects for public-facing audiences. Experience in a fast-paced, agile environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centred content design for a range of digital channels.

• Demonstrated experience in creating and testing content prototypes in various formats for public audiences.

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

• Confidence and motivation in working within an agile, sprint-based framework with a commitment to test-and-learn approaches.

• Strong knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive content practices for text, images, and audio-visual content.

• Excellent understanding of plain English and health literacy best practices.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience working in cross-functional, fast-paced teams.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "What you'll bring" section strongly emphasizes practical, hands-on experience in content design, prototyping, and data analysis. The mention of "digital and AI tools" suggests a forward-thinking approach to content creation, requiring candidates to be adaptable and open to leveraging new technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of user-centred content design projects, detailing the user research, design process, and outcomes.

• Include case studies of content prototyping and testing, illustrating how user feedback informed iterations and improvements.

• Demonstrate experience in repurposing long-form content into modular, reusable formats suitable for multiple channels.

• Present examples of content that adheres to accessibility standards and promotes health literacy.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of working within agile or sprint-based methodologies, including examples of iterative design processes.

• Documentation or examples of how user research and analytics were integrated into the content design workflow.

• Clear articulation of how accessibility and plain English principles were applied in past projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on innovation and a "test-and-learn" approach, the portfolio should emphasize adaptability, experimentation, and the ability to demonstrate tangible results from content interventions. The mention of "prototypes" suggests a need for candidates to be able to visually represent their design concepts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package (details available on Cancer Research UK's careers page).

• Opportunities for career and personal development.

• Wellbeing support initiatives.

• Policies designed to enhance work-life balance.

• Access to high-quality tools and resources.

Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Content Designer role with this level of responsibility in the London area. The emphasis on "benefits package" and "career and personal development opportunities" aligns with Cancer Research UK's commitment to employee growth and wellbeing, which is a significant draw for professionals seeking purpose-driven roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Cancer Research & Advocacy. Cancer Research UK is a leading organization dedicated to beating cancer through research, awareness, and patient support.

Company Size: Large (implied by the scale of operations, website traffic, and employee numbers typical for major charities).

Founded: Cancer Research UK was formed in 2002 through the merger of the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, building on a long history of pioneering cancer research.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within a newly formed "Service Development Unit" within the "Policy, Information and Communications Directorate."

• This unit is described as "agile, innovation focussed."

Methodology:

• The Service Development Unit operates with an "agile, innovation focussed" methodology.

• A "test-and-learn" approach is central to the unit's operations.

• Content design will be guided by user research and data analytics.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key operational aspect.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cancer Research UK's mission to "beat cancer" is a strong cultural driver. The establishment of a new "Service Development Unit" signals a commitment to modernizing their information services and adopting more dynamic, user-centric approaches, likely influenced by GTM strategies in other sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Content Designer, often referred to as P2 grade within organizations. It involves significant autonomy and leadership in content design best practices, but within a specific unit's focus.

Reporting Structure: The Content Designer reports to the "Senior Service Development Lead," indicating a direct line of management within the new unit.

Operations Impact: The Content Designer's work directly impacts the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of cancer patient information, influencing how individuals and their families understand and navigate their cancer journey. This has a profound human impact and supports the organization's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to shape a new unit and its content strategy from its inception.

• Development in agile methodologies and innovative content creation techniques.

• Potential for specialization in health information design and user experience for patient services.

• Exposure to a wide range of cross-functional teams (UX, creative, content excellence), fostering broader skill development.

• Possibility of moving into senior content design roles or service development leadership positions within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "12 month fixed-term contract" suggests this role might be a project-based opportunity, potentially leading to a permanent position or offering a significant experience boost for future roles in content strategy or UX design, particularly within the non-profit or health sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Cancer Research UK has modern office spaces designed for collaboration and flexibility. The Stratford office is likely a hub for creative and strategic teams.

Office Location(s): Stratford, London (2 Redman Place). This is a well-connected area, easily accessible by public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid work model: 1-2 days per week in the Stratford office, allowing for a blend of in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Collaborative environment: The Service Development Unit is designed to foster team working, and collaboration with other departments is integral.

• Access to tools: Likely equipped with modern digital and AI tools for content creation and prototyping.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (35 per week), with flexibility expected to align with agile sprint cycles and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specified office days (1-2) indicates a structured approach to in-office collaboration, likely to facilitate team syncs, workshops, and brainstorming sessions crucial for an agile, innovation-focused unit.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Anonymized Shortlisting: CVs are anonymized; focus on the work history section and application questions for initial assessment.

• Stage 2: Competency Questions and Task: Candidates will be assessed based on their ability to answer competency-based questions and likely complete a practical task related to content design.

• Stage 3: Interview: This will be the primary opportunity to discuss experience, approach, and cultural fit.

• Interview Date: From May 5, 2026.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your user-centred design process for each project. Detail how you used user research, analytics, and testing to inform your decisions.

• Showcase Prototyping: Include examples of content prototypes, explaining the rationale behind their design and format. Visuals are key here.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved engagement, higher readability scores, successful A/B tests). For health information, focus on clarity and comprehension.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, show examples of working with subject matter experts, UX designers, or developers.

• Address Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your understanding and application of accessibility standards and health literacy principles.

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize projects that involve repurposing content, working in agile environments, or designing for diverse channels.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing content for complex topics (like cancer).

• Practice articulating how you would translate expert information into accessible, user-friendly content.

• Consider how you would use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of patient information.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools in content creation and prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The anonymized shortlisting process is a key detail, emphasizing the need for a well-structured and comprehensive online application form, particularly the work history and application questions, as these will be the primary tools for initial evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Design Tools: Expect to use tools for wireframing, prototyping, and potentially AI-assisted content generation. Examples could include Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or specialized AI writing assistants.

• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, or similar web analytics tools, will be crucial for understanding user behavior and content performance.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for agile project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with web analytics platforms is essential for analyzing user engagement with digital content.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a core CRM role, understanding how content integrates with user journeys managed by CRM or marketing automation platforms could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "digital and AI tools" is broad but critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with emerging AI technologies in content creation, summarization, or personalization, as this is a key requirement and a focus area for the new unit.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Bold: Acting with ambition and determination to advance the mission to beat cancer.

• Credible: Maintaining rigor and professionalism in all work, especially in providing accurate health information.

• Human: Focusing on having a positive impact on people's lives, particularly those affected by cancer.

• Together: Emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration across teams and with external partners.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working within a fast-paced, agile unit and across multiple departments (UX, creative, content excellence).

• Emphasis on cross-functional integration, ensuring content aligns with overall user experience and communication strategies.

• Open to feedback and iterative improvement, driven by a "test-and-learn" culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the four organizational values (Bold, Credible, Human, Together) suggests that interviewers will be assessing candidates' alignment with these principles. Candidates should prepare examples that demonstrate these values in action.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to a New Unit: Integrating into a newly formed, agile unit requires flexibility and a willingness to help shape processes.

• Balancing Innovation and Accuracy: Experimenting with new content formats while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and credibility for health information.

• Content Repurposing at Scale: Effectively transforming existing long-form content into modular, reusable assets for diverse channels.

• Measuring Impact: Defining and tracking meaningful metrics for patient information content, beyond simple engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in user-centred content design for health information.

• Gain hands-on experience with agile methodologies and innovation frameworks.

• Develop skills in content prototyping and leveraging AI tools for content creation.

• Expand knowledge in accessibility and health literacy for diverse audiences.

• Potential for leadership within the Service Development Unit or broader content strategy roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "12 month fixed-term contract" presents both a challenge (potential temporary nature) and a growth opportunity (intensive project experience, potential for permanent role). Candidates should be clear on their career goals and how this role fits into their long-term trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research and data analytics to significantly improve a piece of content. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on user-centred design, data-driven decisions, and measurable impact.)

• "How would you approach transforming complex medical information into accessible, engaging content for a patient audience, ensuring both accuracy and plain English?" (Demonstrate understanding of health literacy, plain English, and content simplification.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Cancer Research UK and specifically this role within the Service Development Unit?" (Connect your passion for the mission with your skills and the role's innovative focus.)

• "How do you embody our values of Bold, Credible, Human, and Together in your work?" (Prepare specific examples for each value.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or skill. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, your process, the solutions (prototypes/content), and the outcomes.

• Highlight Process, Not Just Product: Explain how you arrived at your design decisions. Show your thinking.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work.

• Showcase Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that prove your commitment to accessibility and health literacy.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Be prepared to talk through any project in detail and answer questions about your choices.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects involving content repurposing, modular content, or user journey design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a "task" and "competency questions." Candidates should anticipate a practical exercise that tests their content design skills, possibly involving a short piece of content creation or a problem-solving scenario related to patient information.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Optimize your online application: Pay close attention to the "work history" section and answer all application questions thoroughly, as these will be used for anonymized shortlisting.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your user-centred content design, prototyping, and health literacy expertise. Ensure they highlight your ability to repurpose content and work in agile environments.

• Prepare for the task: Anticipate a practical exercise related to content design for patient information. Practice creating concise, accessible content under time constraints.

• Research Cancer Research UK: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and current patient information services to articulate your motivation and cultural fit effectively.

⚠️ 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.