Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £31,931 – £34,709 per annum

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Open-ended

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of the largest multidisciplinary research organisations in Europe. Our research seeks to understand the universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale. From cancer treatment to airport security, high-tech jobs to hydrogen-powered cars, energy generation to accident-scene emergency care, our impact is felt within and beyond the UK in many aspects of daily life.

As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), STFC develops and exploits frontier research in particle physics, astronomy, nuclear physics and space science through activities at UK universities and its own national laboratories, working internationally through a range of long-term collaborative research projects.

Our Strategy, Planning and Communications (SPC) Directorate brings together the core functions that are needed to help shape, communicate and monitor progress against STFC’s strategic plans. Our role is to enable the organisation to determine its strategic direction and translate this into a coherent set of plans, communicating these across the organisation.

We take UKRI and STFC’s commitment to an equitable, diverse and inclusive working environment very seriously. SPC is developing an action plan to instigate and establish positive changes in our directorate. The team cultures a safe environment to discuss sensitive topics, and we are ambitious in our actions to challenge inequities. As a member of our team, you will play a role in keeping SPC an excellent place to work.

About the role

The Science Video Journalist role is responsible for enhancing STFC’s reputation via video content and progressing strategy for the ongoing development of video content opportunities at STFC.

Central features of the role include:

• end-to-end production of video content including news stories, features, case studies and social media campaigns. This includes scoping of project/filming/editing/publishing finished films on our communications channels
• working closely with STFC's Head of Social Media to deliver tailored content through our social media channels to support our core communications campaigns
• delivering video content that speaks to specific STFC audiences from a range of material including scientific publications, interviews, commercial partners and internal/external events
• working closely with a huge range of teams across our research facilities/sites to develop, create and commission the video content for STFC social media platforms as well as central government teams and international partners
• working closely with the UKRI content team in UKRI Communications to provide them with STFC specific video content as appropriate for UKRI communications activity that includes STFC as a partner
• supporting UKRI Communications with non-STFC specific filming requirements where possible
• keeping STFC at the forefront of visual digital content developments, formulate innovative and creative ways to trial new techniques, where beneficial
• reporting on the success of videos using in depth analysis of key social media metrics and use this data to inform future video content. This is key to not only assist in evaluating STFC communications but also has a role to play in evaluating STFC films alongside other UKRI content in the quarterly UKRI Communications reports
• providing coverage of major science news at STFC and can assist with VIP visits when needed. Enabling STFC and UKRI communication channels to use the footage to support UKRI and DSIT communications initiatives
• the role requires excellent time management and the ability to handle multiple projects with shifting deadlines, often with multiple shoots scheduled across the UK and Europe
• managing STFC’s YouTube channel, advising and training STFC staff on the effective use of this platform and filming/editing best practice to enhance STFC’s reputation and ensure branding is maintained
• working closely with UKRI and DSIT colleagues, increasing STFC’s coverage on central government channels via video content
• offering guidance to UKRI and DSIT communications teams on the best STFC footage that could be repurposed for their project needs.

Person Specification

The below criteria will be assessed at shortlisting (S), interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• educated to degree level or equivalent preferably with a journalistic/film-making/PR background (S)
• excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (S&I)
• storyboarding, scripting, setting up, filming, writing and editing videos (S&I)
• good interpersonal skills to get the best out of our researchers (I)
• ability to work in a high-pressure/fast-turnaround department where deadlines are short and set in stone (I)
• demonstrated ability to form strong working relationships across a complex range of stakeholders most especially our laboratories, our facilities and UKRI communications (S&I)
• excellent organisational and time-management skills, and ability to work under pressure (I)
• able to travel nationally (as required) and internationally (as required) (I)

Desirable

• experience in generating and disseminating stories on science breakthroughs, in commercialisation and innovation (S&I)
• demonstrated experience in developing creative ways to generate media content on the work of STFC (S&I)
• able to work flexible hours to deliver results (I)
• full membership of the CIPR or similar organisation (S)
• experience of managing or working within a multi-site team (S&I)

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.