Jobs Archive
Internship, Science Communication, Nature Live
Are you ready to put theory into practice?
The Natural History Museum is a world-class scientific institution and one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. It is a diverse and exciting place to work, that needs bright, creative and talented people.
Internship Opportunities in Science Communication
Nature Live brings together scientists and visitors to explore, discover and discuss the natural world and our place within it through a range of event formats facilitated by professional science communicators. An exciting opportunity has arisen to volunteer in the Science Communication team at the Natural History Museum.
Nature Live aims to provide opportunities for engagement and dialogue between scientists and visitors; promote the cultural and scientific importance and relevance of the scientific work the museum and our partners are undertaking and develop the skills of our science staff in communicating and engaging with museum visitors about their work.
The Nature Live team leads the content development as well as delivery of a wide range of innovative science communication events including the enormously successful Science Uncovered event that last year involved over 10000 participants and over 480 scientists.
Through our work we build and maintain strong working relations with teams across the Museum, particularly the 300 science staff.
Find out more at: www.nhm.ac.uk/naturelive
The role
We are ideally seeking two volunteers for a full-time internship within the Nature Live team. You will work closely with our professional science communicators one of whom will be your mentor mentor and ensure you are supported throughout your time with us.
We are focussed on shaping high quality face-to-face science communication interventions that will engage and inspire the public as part of Science Uncovered, a large scale science communication event.
We are currently developing:
A new activity for adults involving Early Years Researchers (EYRs) such as PhD students and post docs that intends to provoke discussion and debate on issues of significant public interest in science that will be rolled out during this year’s Science Uncovered on Friday 26 September.
Our work continually involves staff from other museum departments. This will provide you with additional opportunities to work with people from our science and public engagement groups.
Your work with us may include:
Working with scientists to identify themes to stimulate discussion and debate
Contributing to more detailed content research and development of specific support materials
Contributing your ideas and recent experience in internal staff discussion on other areas of science communication
Supporting the co-ordination of new activities for Science Uncovered
Note: Some of the information above may change nearer the date due to shifting project schedules; however this provides a rough outline of the kinds of activities you will be involved in and the experience you will enjoy at the Museum.
Availability
We will endeavour to recruit three times annually (normally spanning the summer months) for this internship in Nature Live. This recruitment is for two internships; one that will span August and one that will span September.
To apply for this role you will ideally be available for four weeks, Monday to Friday, 9.30 -17.00 with the chance to join in our evening/weekend activities from either August OR September.
NB: You will be asked during the e-application to clarify your availability
Training
Throughout the internship, you will receive valuable experience in communicating science through Nature Live sessions and large-scale events like Lates and Science Uncovered. You will be integrated into all aspects of office life, and be a vital part of the team.
All necessary role-related training will be provided on-site here at the Museum.
For more information on the Reward and Expenses System in place to support our volunteers please see below.
The deadline to apply for this volunteer opportunity is: midnight 11/7/2014.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Role competences:
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for two enthusiastic volunteers with excellent oral and written communication skills and a passion for the natural world. IT skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office is a must. Applicants must be 18 or over to apply.
This internship may best suit those who are currently studying for a post graduate qualification in Science Communication.
Essential criteria
Experience in planning and delivering science communication events (or understanding of theory of such work)
Good scientific literacy and awareness of science communication issues
Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills
Creativity: a tendency to challenge assumptions and to generate imaginative, innovative and radical ideas
ability to work in a team
strong organisation skills
Desirable Criteria
have completed, or currently studying for, a postgraduate qualification in science communication or other relevant area
Online application process:
Completing the online application
Please answer the following questions to be considered for this role. You will need to enter your answers into the 'competency fields' in your application. Please use one field per answer (or competence) and use no more than 140 words per field. Please do not attach your CV.
Why do you wish to volunteer at the Natural History Museum and what attracted you to this internship specifically?
Please indicate how you meet the role specification and essential / desirable criteria for this volunteer position. It is essential you refer back to the role specification to answer this question and provide examples.
You have stated that you are free ideally 5 days day per week (Monday -Friday) for 1 month from either August OR September). Please specify: Which internship you wish to be considered for: August, September or if you would like to be considered for both.
Your availability within this time frame – i.e when will you be free to begin your role should you be offered this volunteer position?
Please give an example of a science communication event you have attended or participated in and explain in your opinion why this was a success/what could have been done better?
Please give an example of when you have dealt with multiple tasks to ensure details do not get missed?
What, in your opinion, are the considerations of working with science staff on public Science Communication activities and how would you address them?
Digital Information Systems Analyst
The Natural History Museum is one of the world's leading museums, internationally recognised for its dual role as a centre of excellence in scientific research and as a leader in the presentation of natural history through exhibitions, public programmes, publications and the web.
The Museum is increasingly recognising information as a valuable asset to help improve and drive business initiatives. One of these initiatives is to embed media asset management across the Museum through a renewed and energized project.
Hence the Technology Solutions department have an exciting opportunity to offer a Digital Information Systems Analyst to help shape and contribute to the Museum's strategic road map for Enterprise Information management.
The post holder will have a blend of analytical, change management and information orientated skills which includes expertise in media management.
The role, in the first instance, will focus on ensuring the success of the Media Assets Management (MAM) project working closely with a MAM project manager and technical personnel. In addition, the position will help shape and deliver the Museum's information management strategy and will work with business sponsors.
The Museum is an equal opportunity employer, supports a diverse workplace and offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Membership of the civil service pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Child care voucher scheme
- Professional & personal development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
For a full job description and to apply online please visit the Natural History Museum website: www.nhm.ac.uk/jobs
Job Description
1. Job Title: Digital Information Systems Analyst
Department: Technology Solutions
Contract Type: Permanent Appointment
Pay Band: Technical & Professional level 3
Salary: £36,221 per annum plus benefits
Location: South Kensington
Hours: 41 hours including lunch breaks
Application Close Date: Midnight on Sunday 13th July
Interviews expected: Week commencing Monday 21st or Monday 28th July
2. Role Summary
This position offers the exciting opportunity to shape and contribute to the Museum's strategic road map for Enterprise Information management.
The Museum is increasingly recognising information as a valuable asset to help improve and drive business initiatives. One of these initiatives is to embed media asset management across the Museum through a renewed and energized project.
The post holder will work within the Technology Solutions department and is expected to have a blend of analytical, change management and information orientated skills which includes expertise in media management. The role, in the first instance, will focus on ensuring the success of the Media Assets Management (MAM) project working closely with a MAM project manager and technical personnel.
It will include setting up and leading the change management initiative across Science and Public Engagement with adherence to metadata standards and information policies which the post holder has helped developed.
In addition, the position will help shape and deliver the Museum's information management strategy and will work with business sponsors to:
- analyse requirements for various information initiatives including intranet, digital continuity and records management
- ensure that business benefits are realised beyond the rollout programme
- ensure change in practices are embedded across the Museum
3. Role Competences (requirements)
Applicants must demonstrate evidence of the detailed competence outlined below to be considered for the post. Please address each competence in the 'Other Information' section in the online form.
1. Considerable relevant work experience in the digital technology field, ideally with an information or computer centric degree
2. Experience of working on an information centric or media asset management project, preferably with system configuration knowledge and a data quality focus
3. Knowledge of metadata practices and data management techniques supporting the discovery of assets
4. Proven analytical skills for shaping development initiatives in information centric systems and project enhancements
5. Experience of running a change management digital project in a complex environment including training provision, user group set up and information governance group engagement
6. Knowledge of media assets and rights management and ideally wider information areas such as information assurance, records management or open data initiatives
7. Proven ability to maintain good working relationships with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation
8. Strong presentational and influencing skills to advance ideas and the adoption of change
9. Experience of formulating business processes or information flows
10. Basic experience of writing information policies and standards.
11. Basic experience of working with digital suppliers and technical teams to ensure service performance
12. Excellent communication and written skills
4. Main tasks and responsibilities (job description)
- Working closely with the project manager and technical team, you will lead the change management initiative for the rollout of the media asset management (MAM) system across the Museum
- To provide thinking and leadership in the shaping of the MAM system
- To understand the high level design, configuration and workflows of the MAM system
- Initiate application development through requirement gathering with stakeholders and analyse the best approach, working with the technical team for project enhancements
- Manage the transition from the change management, project focused work to operational and business as usual for the MAM's team
- Manage data cleansing initiatives to ensure data quality is maintained to a high standard
- Ensure service performance of digital information systems by agreeing service level agreements with the infrastructure team and monitor regularly
- Undertake research and analysis to support emerging digital initiatives, including software evaluation
- Facilitate and document requirement gathering workshops
- Analyse the impact of existing and proposed information centric systems and formulate improvements
- Prepare and lead user acceptance testing for digital systems
- Understand and design business processes that work well for the users
- Write information policies and procedures to support the use of information systems
- Keep abreast of latest digital and media assets management and Information technology trends and innovations
- Contribute knowledge and expertise to the Technology Solutions team and wider stakeholders.
5. Diversity and disability
At the Natural History Museum we value the diversity of our staff and volunteers and the benefits they bring to our organisation. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities.
6. Application method
- Apply on-line before the closing date through the NHM website: www.nhm.ac.uk/jobs.
For internal applications please apply through the Internal NHM website
- Complete the on-line application form. In the 'Other Information' section, please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of the role competences (section 3) for the role. You must complete this section.
- Please included a CV alongside our application
- Please use one field per competence and a maximum of 140 words per field
- Tell us what attracted you to the role.
- Tell us about anything else you believe is relevant to your application.
Please note:
- 'Other Information section' the system runs on a 35 minute cycle and you will lose any unsaved information that you have not saved.
- You must fully complete your on-line application and attach a CV for review.
- Partially completed applications with CVs attached will be rejected.
- Individual cover letters and CVs submitted outside of the on-line application system will not be considered.
If you wish to provide additional information other than a CV to support your application you may upload this on to your on-line application. A maximum of 2 documents may be uploaded. Each document should not exceed 1Mb.
You are advised to prepare your examples and evidence in a word document before transferring them to the on-line application form.
7. Selection and appointment
Selection decisions are based on merit with candidates assessed against clear, objective competence at each stage of the recruitment and selection process. All offers of employment made are conditional and subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks.
8. Salary Information
Salary for the successful candidate will be £36,112 per annum.
For a list of museum employee benefits please visit http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/jobs-volunteering-internships/museum-benef...
Different rules for pay on promotion may apply to internal candidates. Please refer to the Pay Chapter of the Staff Handbook or contact HR for advice.
9. Contact for general enquiries
HR general enquiries: Jennifer Jarrett Tel: 020 7942 5302, j.jarrett@nhm.ac.uk
Exhibition Design Manager
Located within the Content Design team, the Exhibition Design Manager will provide senior creative guidance for exhibition and gallery design across a wide range of museum projects and initiatives as part of the NHM public offer. This overview will be drawn in part from NHM gallery design guidelines which this post will help to define. Communication of a consistent, effective design approach will involve leading on design work being done in-house, as well as consultancy and oversight of external design work being procured for temporary exhibitions and new permanent galleries.
Importantly, the role will be required to support the Head of Design and Production Services in providing an experienced design vision for Public Engagement by reviewing, developing, and implementing best design practice and effective problem solving across the full range of design outputs required to create an exhibition or gallery. This will encompass collaboration with both external design agencies, as well as leading on projects being designed and developed by in-house staff.
The post will also be required to present work to Museum review groups and to represent the design team on various projects and programme boards. In addition the post will work closely with the Central Project Office and design focussed colleagues in Production Services in overseeing the various external design outputs which will be required to deliver the museums public offer.
Alongside these responsibilities you will also provide direct line management for a small team of experienced design staff who you will encourage, guide and develop.
Salary: £37,940 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Permanent Appointment
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 13th July 2014
Role competences:
1. Educated to degree level in related subject matter, or with commensurate practical experience in a similar role.
2. Substantial professional experience in the design of exhibitions, bespoke installations, museum galleries and interactive elements taking into account form, function, structure and use of materials.
3. Proven track record in leading and managing creative teams to deliver complex projects.
4. Experience and understanding of design in relation to circulation flows in busy public spaces.
5. Knowledge and/or practical experience of delivering design projects within heritage environments and their associated constraints.
6. Ability to clearly communicate your ideas and recommendations to a wide spectrum of internal and external stakeholders by way of engaging ideas, visuals and presentations.
7. Experience using CAD packages, as well as Sketch up and/or other 3D visualisation packages.
8. Broad knowledge and understanding of delivering large format graphic installations including use of appropriate print techniques and substrate materials.
9. Ability to create effective design briefs which deliver the best quality solutions within time and budget.
10. Excellent organisation, attention to detail, self-management, problem-solving and multi-tasking skills, as well as oral, written and presentation skills.
11. Some understanding of PRINCE 2 methodologies and processes.
12. Ability to manage your own and others time, prioritise workloads efficiently and deliver to tight deadlines.
Please upload a portfolio or highlights of your work within the ‘Other Information’ section.
Online application process:
Completing the online application form.
You are required to address each criterion from the competences (requirements) section of the role specification (section 3).
Please upload a portfolio or highlights of your work within the ‘Other Information’ section.
Please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of these competences for the role.
Please use one field per competence and using no more than 140 words per field, provide us with the information of how you meet this competence.
Digital Delivery Manager
The Natural History Museum is looking for an experienced digital technology expert to manage digital operations within a multi-skilled technology development team.
The post plays a vital role in in the coordination and delivery of a variety of digital products, as well as the smooth running of operational systems and application support, in a busy, lively and growing team environment. The team works across a number of digital channels providing creative technology solutions for websites, mobile apps, web services, in-gallery technology and integrations.
This role could suit a senior developer looking to gain more managerial experience, or a digital project manager or producer wanting to get closer to the technology solutions.
Salary: Between £37,014 to £39,861 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Permanent Appointment
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 6th July 2014
If you are interested in working for our Digital Development team, we would encourage you to register and sign up to the vacancy alert emails.
Role competences:
1. Degree level or equivalent relevant qualification, or significant relevant experience
2. Broad knowledge of web and digital development systems, platforms and technologies
3. Significant experience of process and task management in a busy operations environment
4. Demonstrable ability to translate complex requirements into technical actions
5. High level of understanding of project management methodologies and approaches
6. Proven ability to provide motivation and drive to a busy team
7. Excellent communication skills, with strong customer service values
8. Proven ability to solve problems creatively under pressure
9. Substantial experience of building productive relationships with technical, design and content teams, internal customers, and external agencies
10. Good awareness of digital design and content production process
Online application process:
Completing the online application form.
You are required to address each criterion from the competences (requirements) section of the role specification (section 3).
Please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of these competences for the role.
Please use one field per competence and using no more than 140 words per field, provide us with the information of how you meet this competence.
Project Manager (within the Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity)
The Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity (AMC) at the Natural History Museum, London is unique within the UK. In addition to acting as a centre to promote the appreciation and study of UK biodiversity, it aims to address two of the central problems facing biodiversity and taxonomy; namely how to inspire and nurture existing and future naturalists, and how to engage the wider public in natural history science. The AMC's goal is to become a national centre to promote the understanding of UK biodiversity and geodiversity. It acts as a hub for collaborations between amateur and professional scientists and serves as a first point of contact where interested members of the public can deepen their interests, find like- minded people and join exciting projects that help them develop and learn more about natural history and science.
The AMC team provide access to UK reference collections, manage the Museum's Identification and Advisory Service, host identification training courses, play an active role in public engagement activities and run an innovative citizen science programme of participative research projects that are open to anyone.
The AMC team is looking for an experienced natural history professional to project manage their Identification Trainers for the Future project. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Skills for the Future Programme (http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Pages/SkillsfortheFuture.aspx), the project aims to proactively tackle the ongoing loss of taxonomic expertise within the UK’s natural heritage sector, particularly wildlife identification and recording skills. It aims to support early career naturalists through the provision of 15 high quality 12-month work-based training opportunities at the Natural History Museum (with placements at the Field Studies Council). As well as producing a series of highly skilled professionals, the project will output a wide range of identification-based training materials and potentially a new identification qualification for use across the UK.
Reporting to the Head of Centre and working as part of a small multi-organisation team, the post holder will be responsible for leading the day to day management and delivery of the project throughout its 6- month development phase and 3-year active phase. Core responsibilities will include coordinating and guiding the development of training content and work-based placements and recruiting and line managing the trainees (five per year for three years). The successful candidate would be responsible for compiling regular written progress reports and communicating experiences and lessons learnt within the natural heritage and wider academic sectors.
The postholder will form an integral part of the AMC team and where time permits will be able to participate in a range of wildlife identification-based science engagement activities, which collectively aim to introduce diverse public audiences to the value of identifying and recording nature and exploring the UK’s fantastic natural heritage.
The post is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and will be based within the Natural History Museum, London. Partners within the project include the Field Studies Council and National Biodiversity Network Trust
Salary: £27,888 per annum per annum plus benefits, additional funding maybe available for an exceptional candidate
Contract: 3.5 years Fixed-Term Appointment
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 13th July 2014
Role competences:
1. Degree in biological science or equivalent experience
2. Postgraduate qualification in a biological science (or related subject) or equivalent experience
3. Proven experience as a professional or academic natural scientist
4. Demonstrable practical experience of project managing multi-partner projects
5. Practical experience and sound understanding of taxonomy and systematics
6. Familiarity with the breadth of UK wildlife and a deep understanding of the UK biodiversity sector, including the contributions made by professional organisations and voluntary natural history societies and recording schemes, and the relationships between these groups
7. Experience of managing and/or formally training staff or volunteers
8. Ability to negotiate and influence with tact, diplomacy and sensitivity and to build good working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders (e.g. amateur and professional scientists, government agencies)
9. Evidence of communicating science effectively (both written and verbal) and with confidence to non-expert audiences
10. Confident team worker, but with ability to work on own initiative
Online application process:
Completing the online application form.
You are required to address each criterion from the competences (requirements) section of the role specification (section 3).
Please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of these competences for the role.
Please use one field per competence and using no more than 140 words per field, provide us with the information of how you meet this competence.
Visitor Experience Manager
We are looking for a talented Visitor Experience Manager who will effectively be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Horniman as a visitor attraction welcoming over 850,000 visitors each year - including all aspects of visitor services, ticket sales and customer satisfaction.
Candidates should have significant experience of ticketing and relationship management systems and be comfortable working with numbers and data.
The ability to motivate and train staff to achieve the highest levels of customer service is also essential for this role.
This is a permanent, full time/35 hrs per week role to be worked on a flexible basis and including weekend and evening working.
If you would like to apply or for further information, please download our application pack.
Closing date for completed applications is Monday 7 July 2014 at 10.00am.
Interviews will be held week commencing 14th July 2014.
Visitor Experience Manager_Application pack
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/media/_file/visitor-experience-manager-applica...
Documents
Recruitment Information for all Applicants
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/media/_file/Recruitment_Information_for_all_Ap...
Herbarium Assistant
The RHS’s herbarium is one of the few in the world to be dedicated to cultivated plants and is internationally recognised for the leading role it plays in this field.
As Herbarium Assistant you would be responsible for collecting, recording and pressing plants in our gardens and in the plant trials we run for the Award of Garden Merit. You will also support the work of the herbarium by dealing with requests for information and preparing loans of specimens to be sent to researchers, as well as monitoring and ordering new stocks as required. You’ll be part of a small but busy team, working with volunteers and with a wide range of staff at Wisley Gardens.
We’re looking for someone to job share with an experienced member of staff to support the work of the herbarium. The hours are flexible and would suit anyone needing to manage other commitments during the working week.
For further information please contact Dr Chris Whitehouse, Keeper of the Herbarium on [internal phone number]. For a full job description and person specification please click on the ‘More Info’ link on the right. To apply, please complete the RHS Application Form and send with your CV and a covering note highlighting how you match the knowledge, experience and skills requirements of the role to: recruitment@rhs.org.uk
Keeper of the Herbarium
The RHS’s herbarium is one of few in the world dedicated to cultivated plants and has led the world in developing methods and practices in relation to the curation of cultivated plants. It is the only such herbarium to be a partner of the Global Plants Initiative and we are currently in the process of digitising our entire collection.
We are looking for someone to lead the small team supporting the herbarium as well as to promote the role and importance of the RHS’s herbarium to a wide range of users both in horticulture and in plant science. You would be working with people across the RHS where the herbarium supports our other activities and will have the opportunity to get involved with the work of our expert plant committees.
This is an exciting time for the herbarium as we plan for new purpose-built accommodation as part of a new building for RHS Science. As Keeper of the Herbarium you will have an important role in that process.
We offer a wide range of benefits as part of your employment package which include 25 days holiday and life assurance.
Apply by completing the RHS Application Form and send with your CV and a covering note highlighting how you match the
knowledge, experience and skills requirements of the role to: recruitment@rhs.org.uk. Please ensure you attach a completed Equal Opportunities Form from the download section.
All applications should be received by 4pm, Monday 30th June 2014.
You can find the application documents at http://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/work-for-the-rhs/vacancies/Keeper-of...
Diversify Museum Trainee
This traineeship is hosted by RAMM to address areas where black and ethnic minority individuals are under-represented in the workforce. It is offered to Black and Minority Ethnic people only (Section 37 [1] of the Race Relations Act 1976). It is based on the principles of positive action which means helping people from under-represented minorities to compete on an equal basis for jobs by helping them to develop the necessary skills and experience to take a first step on the career ladder. Public institutions have a duty to promote the Race Relations Act and to ensure that the communities they serve are represented within the make-up of their workforce.
This placement will provide a positive opportunity to obtain and develop museum skills and experience across the broad spectrum of museum work. As a RAMM museum trainee, your programme will involve induction, shadowing and projects involving managing and interpreting the collections for a range of audiences.
Museum Trainee
This traineeship will provide a positive opportunity to obtain and develop museum skills and experience across the broad spectrum of museum natural history curatorial work. Our aim is to provide the successful candidate with a range of collections management experience including data management, object handling and photography, partnership working, digital technologies and development of best practice. The trainee's professional development will be delivered by RAMM and project partners and be supported by a training plan.
The trainee will assist with the delivery and dissemination of a project to reunite the specimens (and other objects) collected aboard HMS Challenger (1872-76) in the form of an online database. These specimens are held in museum collections across the country and around the globe, including at RAMM.
For further information please see: http://www.rammmuseum.org.uk/news/ramm-delves-into-deep-sea-data
This training opportunity is funded through the John Ellerman Foundation - a grant making trust whose aim is to advance the wellbeing of people, society and the natural world through funding organisations working in Arts, Environment and Welfare. Their Regional Museums and Galleries Fund aims to help strengthen UK regional museums and galleries to help organisations enhance and sustain curatorial development to attract a broader public.