Project Background
The Polytechnic Museum is the lead Russian museum of science and technology. The
Museum was founded in the 1870’s and is located in a prominent grand historic building
in the centre of Moscow. The redevelopment of all aspects of the Museum is underway.
The aims of the Polytechnic Museum Project are:
To create one of the top science and technology museums in the world
To modernise the Polytechnic Museum so that it plays a leading role in the public
understanding and communication of science and technology in Russia and
inspires future generations of young people to undertake careers in this area.
To deliver audience-focused visitor experiences
To develop models of museum organisation, display, collections care /
stewardship, learning, education and professional development which catalyse
the modernisation of the museum sector in Russia, especially but not only in the
field of Science and Technology
To develop a comprehensive national strategy for science and technology
museums, which would encompass new buildings in Moscow, a national network
of Science and Technology Museums and new branches or partnership museums
in regional centres.
To enhance the cultural infrastructure of the city of Moscow
Event were appointed as masterplanners in 2010 and completed a ‘Concept Plan’ in
Spring 2011 which identified the key functions of the redeveloped main museum and
proposals for a new museum building located on the Moscow State University campus.
The main building will deliver a world-class science and technology museum aimed at
the general Moscow public, with an annual target audience of 2 million.
The Concept Plan identified the broad interpretive approach and an outline content
narrative for the main exhibition galleries for the main building, centred on the three main
themes – Energy, Matter and Information Sciences.
Event’s Current Role
Event is now appointed to develop the content of the museum and to deliver the concept
and scheme design phases up to October 2013.
Event’s content role covers:
Exhibition Content Development
Specialist Content Advisors
International History of Science & Technology Research
International Contemporary Science & Technology Research
Lead on Audience Research
The Polytechnic Museum’s content role covers:
Collections Information
Specialist Content Advisors
Providing Russian History of Science & Technology Research
Providing Russian Contemporary Science & Technology Research
Russian / Moscow Audience Research
Russian Education input
Event’s preliminary Content Team is currently reviewing and expanding the content
outline, working to and with the Polytechnic Museum and the Polytechnic Museum
Foundation (an organisation brought into the museum to oversee its modernisation). This
will be completed by end of February 2012.
Event is now building a team of Content Developers and Advisors to progress the project
beyond February 2012. We are seeking one Content Developer for each of the three
major themes.
Job Title
Project Content Developer
Job Duration
Fixed-term contract - March to October 2012
To develop core storyline and interpretive approach and object identification, alongside
concept design development, working to a staged programme.
NB This contract may extend to October 2013 to develop detailed storyline and object
identification, alongside scheme design development.
Job Purpose
Working as part of the Event content and interpretation team, to research and write high
quality core exhibition content for one of the three major themes (Energy, Matter or
Information) and work with Event designers to interpret that content and to create
exciting and engaging exhibition concept proposals for the relevant audiences.
The scope and staged programme will evolve during the period of appointment, with a
heavier emphasis on content research for the first three months, leading into more
interpretive development from June to October.
Scope of Work
Work to the Project Lead / Creative Director and the Content Lead and as part of
the content team.
Research and produce the outline core content for an authoritative and innovative
permanent exhibition on one of the three major themes of the Museum.
Contribute to in-house discussions on interpretive approach, principles and
nature of experience, content and design concepts across the Museum.
Audience advocacy - keep informed on latest audience research to ensure clear
picture of audience targets for content – who audiences are, where they are
coming from and what their needs are
Identify and consult with Event’s agreed external experts as required to ensure
content addresses key areas of interpretive approach.
Through Event, liaise with Polytechnic Museum and the Polytechnic Museum
Foundation staff and/or advisors to develop content and exhibit ideas as required.
Through Event, liaise with Polytechnic Museum and the Polytechnic Museum
Foundation staff to identify and list key museum objects and develop wishlist of
additional objects to be acquired.
Take part as required in stakeholder presentations and consultation session in
Moscow.
Work creatively with Event designer(s) to develop exhibition concept proposals
and to ensure that all interpretive design is audience-focused
Deliverables
Research files
Produce RFI’s for Polytechnic Museum and the Polytechnic Museum Foundation
staff as required.
Deliver written content storylines, summaries, diagrams etc for internal team for
regular progress / discussion sessions.
Deliver written content storylines, summaries, diagrams etc for translation and
inclusion in regular formal and informal presentations and discussions in Moscow
and presentation documents as required.
Meetings/Travel
Regular discussion, update and planning meetings at Event offices in London –
around 6 days a month. Travel expenses at content developers cost.
Possible further skype meetings etc
Regular visits to Moscow – up to 2 per month – possibly as long as 4 days.
Travel expenses to Moscow will be covered by Event
One off trips to Science Museums. Travel expenses will be covered by Event.
Work Experience, Skills & Knowledge and Behaviours
Work Experience:
Experience of carrying out high quality research using varied resources .
A record in communicating contemporary science and technology - ideally
through exhibitions, live events or through print or multimedia – for a general
audience and in particular young people and families.
(Ideally) experience of dealing with complex client structures.
Skills & knowledge:
A broad knowledge of the history and current direction of science and technology
and its impact on society.
A good knowledge of the history and/or contemporary practice of a science
(physics, information technology and chemistry of particular interest) at least to
BSc level.
Specific knowledge of historic and/or contemporary Russian science and
technology and/or ability to read or speak Russian would be an advantage but is
not necessary.
Ideally, a Masters in Science Communication or equivalent experience in a
museum/science-centre environment
Awareness of best practice/innovation in interpretation of science and
technology.
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to a non-specialist audience.
Knowledge of a range of interpretive methods and willingness to work creatively
with designers to develop innovative solutions
A rigorous approach to research work
Ability to handle large quantities of information at speed.
Ability to work effectively with subject specialists, external organisations
Ability to work effectively with complex client structures – from Directors to
curators, education teams, events teams etc. It should be noted that the
Polytechnic Museum is undergoing huge change and teams may fluctuate and
new skills are being learnt.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Personal profile:
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Good team worker.
Ability to multi-task effectively.
Ability to react positively to change and uncertainty.
Able to work to tight deadlines, managing time and resources accordingly.
Able to prioritise work, identify and deal with obstacles.
Interest in science communication to the general public
Selection Process
To be considered, please submit CV and/or portfolio showing previous work.
You may also submit a short outline (no more than 1 page) on your credentials for the
project, if you wish.
All submissions to be sent to:
polytechnic@eventcomm.com
Interviews will be arranged if experience and/or skills considered suitable.
Ideal interview dates: wc 23rd Jan 2012. Other dates can be considered.
A short interpretive task may be set following the interview.
