Key responsibilities
:
To assist with the development, promotion, delivery and evaluation of new and existing public engagement activities for key in-person and online events, such as LMB Open Days or the Cambridge Festival, and new longer-term engagement in collaboration with scientists and other Public Engagement team members. Event support and delivery may involve working outside of normal hours, with time off in lieu.
To support the development, promotion, organisation and evaluation of LMB school outreach events with other Public Engagement team members, including coordination of the Microscopes 4 Schools Competition for primary schools.
To coordinate the LMB work experience programme, answering student queries, supporting hosts and ensuring safeguarding requirements are adhered to. To liaise with external work experience organisations to advertise available placements to schools and students. To collect feedback, draft case studies, and ensure the external work experience webpage and intranet information are up to date.
To support internal engagement with members of the LMB to help build capacity for public engagement, reviewing and improving access to public engagement resources.
To draft and edit Insight on Research and LMB News stories, as well as social media content for LMB in the News and Alumni News, in collaboration with other LMB News Team members. To liaise with UKRI Press Office and other stakeholders in the production and release of information. To adhere to confidentiality, embargoes and other restrictions as necessary. To edit and publish LMB website news content using WordPress and post content on the LMB’s social media channels.
To organise tours of the LMB for visitors including school and student groups, and act as a tour guide when required.
To organise media visits to the LMB for interviews and filming, liaising with LMB staff and external contacts, seeking necessary approvals and chaperoning visitors.
Working relationships:
This is a hands-on in-person role and involves interactions with staff at all levels.
You will report to the Engagement & External Communications Manager and will be part of the LMB Public Engagement and News Teams.
You will need to develop effective working relationships with members of the LMB, the LMB VisLab and other public engagement and communications staff, so that you are seen as an effective member of the Public Engagement and News Teams.
You will need to interact effectively with MRC public engagement colleagues, UKRI Corporate Communications team members and other external communications/engagement contacts.
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Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
Desirable:
Science-related degree.
Qualification in public engagement or science communication.
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
Experience of developing and/or delivering public engagement or outreach activities.
Experience of communicating complex scientific ideas to different target audiences.
Experience in event management.
Experience of using social media.
Desirable:
Experience in digital engagement.
Experience of working with schools and/or developing age-appropriate or curriculum linked activities.
Experience in communications or media work.
Experience of working with academics and researchers.
Knowledge and experience:
Essential:
Sufficient scientific knowledge to understand and translate complex scientific papers into general language accurately and quickly.
Excellent IT skills and a working knowledge of MS Office software.
Desirable:
• Experience of working with images ( sourcing, selecting, adapting for different communication channels).
• Experience of using website content management systems such as WordPress.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Essential:
Communication
• Strong writing and editorial skills, with great accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good presentation skills and an ability to talk to groups of visitors with different backgrounds ( general audience or scientific community).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels and enthuse others about the benefits of public engagement.
Initiative and time management
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use own initiative and work without or under limited supervision.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to apply them whilst under pressure.
Team working
• Effective team member willing to contribute, but respectful of the roles and experience of others.
Personal style and behaviour
• Keen interest in science and the work of the LMB and the MRC as a whole.
• Enthusiastic and pragmatic with a flexible approach to a varied workload.
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