We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and versatile Science Engagement Officer to join our team on a fixed-term contract. You will play a key role in coordinating and delivering the schools engagement programme, supporting involvement of staff from the world-leading Wellcome Sanger Institute.
About the Role:
The Science Engagement programme is part of Wellcome Connecting Science and this role benefits from cross-working with a range of companion teams with diverse expertise. The Science Engagement and Enrichment team strives to place inclusion, equity and social justice at the centre of our work.
You will be responsible for:
- Delivering key aspects of the schools engagement programme including outreach activities and campus experiences.
- Helping to build relationships with target audiences and support the active participation of staff from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and on occasion other organisations on the Wellcome Genome Campus.
- Developing new curriculum-linked activities aligned to emerging science at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for direct delivery and use on yourgenome.org.
- Helping to build an evidence base around the success and impact of the schools engagement offer in line with the strategic outcomes for the science engagement programme.
About You:
The ideal candidate will have a degree in a STEM subject and experience working in education or with schools.
You will have a genuine interest in enthusing and creatively engaging young people from schools in challenging situations about the science that happens at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Among your personal qualities must be the ability to prioritise tasks, communicate effectively, work flexibly and perform well under pressure.
About Us:
Wellcome Connecting Science’s mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society. Drawing on the ground-breaking research taking place on the Wellcome Genome Campus, Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation, supports learning, and understands global attitudes and perspectives. We connect researchers, health professionals and the wider public, creating opportunities and spaces to explore genomic science and its relationship with people, and the world around us.
Our work across Engagement and Society uses research and engagement approaches to investigate the impact of science, ethics, and genomic technologies on people, on both a local and a global scale. We listen, gather, and share insights on public attitudes and experiences; and we create equitable programmes, projects and resources that facilitate accessible engagement and dynamic learning. We use our insights and understanding to support a diverse range of intersecting communities, including young people, learners, educators, researchers, patients, and the public, to discover how genomic science is relevant to all our lives.
Essential Skills:
- A degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) discipline, or equivalent experience, for example through learning, education or outreach role(s)
- Experience of teaching or presenting within schools, science centres, museums or other learning settings
- Experience in liaising with schools and teachers
- Familiarity with current schools curricula in the UK
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
- High-level interpersonal skills and ability to work within small and large teams
- Excellent organisational and planning skills
- Experience with basic computer software such as Word/Excel/PowerPoint
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise workloads
- Ability to solve problems and resolve day-to-day issues with respect to delivery of activity
- Clean driving license
Applications: Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter, include detail on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described.
Salary: £32,100 - £38,500
Closing Date: Sunday 05-JAN-25
Contract duration: Fixed-term contract, ending 30/09/2026. Whilst this is a fixed-term contract, there is the likelihood that this will become a permanent post.
Interviews: To be held week starting Monday 20th January
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:
We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.
We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits:
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.