Started by Michael Faraday (who began his career as a technician at the Royal Institution) in 1825, and now broadcast on national television every year, the Royal Institution’s Christmas Lectures are the UK's flagship science series. The Technician Commitment have teamed up with the Royal Institution to offer technical colleagues at signatory institutions the opportunity to work on the 2019 Christmas Lectures which this year will be delivered by Dr Hannah Fry.
Colleagues have the opportunity to go on placement to the Royal Institution to work as a runner on the programmes when they are filmed later this year. Tasks include working with the Royal Institution's scientific props team and art department and supporting the camera crews and production team. Travel expenses and accommodation costs for those that live outside of central London will be provided. This offers a unique development opportunity for technical colleagues to gain insight and experience of science communication on a high profile stage.
The Royal Institution are looking for colleagues:
With experience making equipment, props or exhibits
Who have excellent attention to detail
Who have a willingness to take responsibility for finding solutions to problems
Who are adaptable and willing to work in a team to meet immovable deadlines
Who are not afraid to ask questions to get a full understanding of specifications
To apply, please send an expression of interest (up to one page), with details of why you're suitable for the role to techscommit@gatsby.org.uk by the 14th October 2019.
Filming takes place: Mon 2 Dec – Fri 6 Dec; Mon 9 Dec – Sat 14 Dec; Mon 16 Dec – Weds 18 Dec (total of 14 days)
Interviews for the placements will take place with the Royal Institution team by Skype on 22nd October.
For further details on the experience please see this article from the Royal Society of Chemistry who profiled the two technicians who received the Technician Commitment Royal Institution placements in 2018.
