Dream job?

Director of communications, Biobank

The bank of what?

It's a new research project that will, over the next 10-20 years, collect samples for genetic analysis from 500,000 people aged 45-69.

Sounds like a crazy genetic experiment with dire consequences for mankind.

Don't be ridiculous. Funders want Biobank to be a major international resource for research on the genetic, environmental and lifestyle causes of a wide range of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's.

So what will the communications director do?

The job is all about recruiting volunteers to take part. The project needs to get half a million people to donate blood samples and give information about their lifestyle and family background. You'll need to work on managing media and public relations and talk to funders and politicians about the project.

Who are the quacks behind this scheme?

No quacks in this gene pond. It's funded by the Department of Health, the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust and the Scottish executive.

Point taken. What kind of person are they after?

You'll need to have a background in marketing and communications, ideally with experience of medical and social ethics. You'll also need to have a strong understanding of scientific concepts and be able to talk to a range of different audiences about what the project is and what it's trying to achieve.

But will I be laughing all the way to the Biobank?

Biobank promises an "attractive" package including a final-salary pension scheme.

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