The British Society for Immunology (BSI) is the leading UK charity organisation representing scientists and clinicians who study the immune system in humans or animals. Our mission is to support the immunology community in driving scientific discovery and making a positive impact on health. We work closely with our membership to support current and future generations of immunologists.
Part of our role is to explain immunology to the public and to others working in science and healthcare bodies. Working at the Society can give you a varied and highly interesting career, allowing you to make a real difference to the lives of those who are at the forefront of biomedical innovation. We are a friendly and accessible organisation that offers a good range of benefits and works with many different groups to pursue our aims. You can find a list of staff vacancies below. Additionally, we sometimes have positions available for our members to volunteer with us. These opportunities are also listed below.
Please note, we do not operate any research labs ourselves and are unable to offer any placements to provide you with direct experience of working in an immunology lab within our organisation. If you are interested in gaining this type of experience, you may find it useful to have a look at our funding opportunities page or our jobs board.
Work for us
Director of External Affairs
- Salary: £80,000 – 90,000
- Location: Remote, with office space in London available one day per week.
- Hours: Full-time. 35 hours per 5-day week. The British Society for Immunology is currently participating in a 4-day week pilot, which sees staff work 32 hours over 4 days. This role will be eligible to opt in to participate in this pilot.
- Contract type: Permanent
The British Society for Immunology (BSI) is seeking an exceptional Director of External Affairs to take our work to the next level, driving the organisation’s influence, profile, and impact. Reporting to the CEO and joining the Senior Management Team, this high-profile leadership role has strategic oversight of communications, public affairs, policy, partnerships, clinical engagement, career and workforce development, and patient and public involvement, ensuring these functions operate in a joined-up way to deliver our ambitious new five-year strategy.
The BSI is currently participating in a four-day working week pilot on full-time salaries, and while regular travel to London is required, the role is predominantly remote, with a strong commitment to flexible, inclusive, and supportive working.
In this role, you will lead a strong and established team, fostering a positive, high-performing culture where people feel empowered to do their best work. You will act as a trusted ambassador for immunology, building and maintaining influential relationships across government, academia, industry and the NHS. You will shape national conversations, influence policy, oversee flagship programmes, and lead strategic communications and public engagement, while also developing high-value partnerships and diversified income streams to deliver greater value for members and secure long-term impact for the Society and the wider immunology community.
We’re looking for an experienced leader of people and strategy, with a strong background in public affairs, policy, external relations and science communications. You’ll bring strategic insight, exceptional stakeholder management skills and a genuine passion for advancing science and public understanding. If you’re ambitious, collaborative and ready to help redefine the future of immunology, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more please read the full job description.
To apply, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter through the Inspired Selection website.
Programme Manager (Clinical) - (Maternity cover)
- Salary: £50,000
- Location: Remote, with office space in London available one day per week.
- Hours: Full-time. 35 hours per 5-day week. The British Society for Immunology is currently participating in a 4-day week pilot, which sees staff work 32 hours over 4 days. This role will be eligible to opt in to participate in this pilot.
- Contract type: Fixed term up to 12 months, maternity cover
Join the British Society for Immunology (BSI) as our Programme Manager (Clinical) and lead an impactful project and partnership portfolio across clinical immunology and vaccine development. Using your outstanding project management skills, you will manage the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drive partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.
This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.
This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.
To find out more, please read the full job description.
To apply, please email a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to hr@immunology.org. The deadline for applications is Friday 16 January 2026. Online interviews will be held in the week beginning 26 January 2026.
Driven by our values and behaviours, we are a high-performing, ambitious and forward-thinking organisation, that values teamwork and collaboration. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds who are inspired by our values and behaviours. If you have any questions, or require any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview stage, contact us at hr@immunology.org.
We request no contact from agencies. Due to the number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application deadline.