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Commissioning Brief

Feb 2026

Project overview

We are developing a 20-minute presentation-style live show designed for the general public in a science centre environment. The project involves adapting an existing script and directing a small team of science communicators/presenters to deliver an engaging, high-quality and fun performance that’s also scientifically accurate.

 

Winchester Science Centre has delivered a range of science shows over recent years, which have always been created in-house with a ‘home-grown’ style. We are now looking to elevate this concept through engaging creative practitioners to support the production and delivery of our presenter-led show format. You will be supported to ensure scientific accuracy and instead looking for someone to elevate the narrative structure and performance style of the Inspirer team.

 

We are particularly interested in practitioners with experience in one or more of the following:

 

- Script adaptation for live audiences

- Directing presenter-led or demonstration-based shows

- Educational or science communication performance

- Visitor attraction, museum, or informal learning environments

 

Key Details

Location	Winchester Science Centre
Audience	Children aged 3-12 and their accompanying adults
Theme / Subject Area	Sound
Script Status	Existing draft
Performance Style	Interactive demo show, presenter-led presentation
Team Size to Direct	10
Development Period	Feb-April 2026
Script delivery date	Friday 10 April 2026 (with 1st review by Friday 20th March)
Rehearsal Period	2pm – 5pm, Tuesday 14 – Friday 24 April, excluding weekends.
Performance Period	First show date - Saturday 25th April 2026
Support provided	Science content expertise / advisors
	Health and Safety expertise (for science demos)
	Basic in-house technical and AV
	Accessibility scoping and adaptations
	Additional costume / prop / set-design resources
	Rehearsal space at Winchester Science Centre
Fee Structure	Project fee – £4,500

Deliverables

The commission should result in:

- An update of existing script with a clear narrative and flow

- Directing practical rehearsal time with team of presenters

- A performance ready show with confident presenters

 

Please contact Jenna Cox, Head of Programming (jennacox@winchestersciencecentre.org) if this opportunity is of interest. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please share examples of relevant past work or portfolios if available.

 

Show Format

Length	20 minutes
Audience Type	Children aged 3-12 and their accompanying adults
Audience Size	Up to 100
Frequency	4 shows per day - approximately 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm (relaxed)
Performance Style	Interactive demo show, presenter-led presentation
Tone	Fun, playful and curious
Technical	Robust and repeatable, resettable multiple times a day
Adaptable for ‘relaxed’ accessible shows
Suitable for a max stage size of 4 x 4 metres
Present science demonstrations in a strong visual way
Include predictable warnings for sensory moments
Science Demonstrations to include	Air canon / air zooka	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt6BtMrQOIw
Acoustic exciter	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZozOkUHijDI
Rubens tube	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8KjE7MQHXM
Key Science Messages to include	What sound is (vibrations and particles)
Sound as a wave (compression waves)
How sound travels through air
How speakers and loudspeakers work
How sound frequency affects wave patterns
Ways we can “see” sound

 

Directing (Essential)

A key element of this commission is directing our science presenters to deliver the show as a confident experience, not just a scripted demonstration.

The practitioner will be expected to work directly with presenters during rehearsals, support them in physical storytelling and use of space; voice, pace, and clarity and managing audience interaction. The goal is to empower our science presenters to feel confident and playful.

 

Supporting Documents and Information

1. Sound Show - Science Interpretation Plan
2. Original “The Sound Show” script
3. Risk Assessment for previous show

Visitor Experience Team Member 

£12.41 per hour (rising to £12.91 per hour after successful completion of probationary period) subject to a pay review in April.

Various hours available.

 

The International Centre for Life is a thriving science hub in the heart of Newcastle. Its purpose is to inspire everyone to explore and enjoy science and to provide a world class science hub where life enhancing engagement, research and clinical treatment can thrive.  Life is home to NHS clinics as well as scientists and researchers from Newcastle University. Life Science Centre is at the heart of this ‘circle of science’ and aspires to be most accessible and inclusive visitor attraction in the UK. It has an international reputation for its work in sensory engagement.

 

Have you got what it takes to be part of our Visitor Experience Team?

 

We are looking for people who love creating brilliant experiences for others. If you are passionate about engaging with people and delivering outstanding visitor service, this could be the perfect role for you. As part of our front of house team, your role is to make every visit to the science centre exciting, entertaining, informative and fun, ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed, supported and inspired from the moment they arrive. You will have an enthusiasm for learning and a curiosity about the world around you – a world which is shaped increasingly by developments in science and technology.  Although a basic understanding of science is welcome, a science qualification is not essential as training will be provided. 

 

You will bring warmth, enthusiasm and energy to the role, supporting visitors of all ages—usually families and school groups—so they feel confident exploring the centre. You will deliver hands-on science activities, including live shows and demonstrations, and you will help visitors get the most out of our exhibitions and activities. Occasionally you may be involved in taking science beyond the building, engaging schools and community groups through outreach activities. 

 

You will have the skills and experience to be comfortable and confident with visitors and be proactive in your interactions with them. You will have a good sense of humour, be calm under pressure and will be a confident performer, able to adapt your communication style for different audiences.     

 

The science centre is open all year round and is especially busy during weekends and school holidays because of this, you will need plenty of energy and stamina, as it is an active, hands-on role. We offer a variety of contract options — from a minimum of 12 hours weekend only to an average 30 hours per week across Monday to Sunday, as well as opportunities for annualised hours contracts. Flexibility on hours is essential for those working Monday to Sunday. 

 

Life is a welcoming and friendly place to work. We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing, including access to wellbeing initiatives, an Employee Assistance Programme, a health cash plan with a 24/7 GP service line, and discounted car parking in the centre of Newcastle.

 

The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. Details of our DBS policy are available on request. For further information regarding this post, please refer to the job description and person specification on our website.  

 

To apply for this vacancy, please complete the online application form which can be accessed from our website at https://www.life.org.uk/join-the-team/ and indicate your preference for hours and type of contract by 1 March 2026.

Interviews will be held on the 12 March 2026.

 

The International Centre for Life is an equal opportunities employer. Life has achieved Maintaining Excellence accreditation under the Northeast Better Health at Work Scheme.  

 

Registered Charity Number: 1059607   

 

People Team

International Centre for Life
Life Hub
Times Square
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4EP
United Kingdom

Tel:
Email: People.Team@life.org.uk

Edinburgh Science has a number of vacancies currently open. See them at https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/about-us/jobs-opportunities/.

Futures in STEM Programme Administrator (full time, Gr4)

The Futures in STEM team (and Science Engagement team) at Durham University is currently recruiting for a Programme Administrator to provide administrative support for Futures in STEM, its associated programmes, and wider Science Engagement activities.

You can find the full job description and apply here:
Futures in STEM Programme Administrator Job Advert

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Nyla Drisdale-Gordon would be happy to speak to you at nyla.drisdale-gordon@durham.ac.uk or futures.instem@durham.ac.uk.

Please could you share this advert with your networks or forward it to anyone you think might be interested in applying. Your help in spreading the word would be greatly appreciated!

The Ri has a clear vision that ‘Science is for Everyone’ and it is our belief that everyone should have equitable access to science. Through our packed event programme available in person or online, our UK schools’ outreach and social impact initiatives, and our global digital reach including 1.6m YouTube subscribers, we achieve our mission by connecting people with scientists to explore science together. 

We are looking for a Digital Manager for a fixed-term maternity cover. This is a uniquely positioned and exciting role offering you the opportunity to manage the Royal Institution’s YouTube channels and website. You will schedule video content to maximise channel growth and audience engagement, ensuring that our content is user-focused, engaging, and aligned with our strategic and charitable ambitions to ensure that science is for everyone. This is a full-time contract from mid-February 2026 to end of April 2027.

Our digital team sees digital not just as a way to promote ourselves online, but to also bring thought-provoking science and our rich heritage to audiences worldwide, many of whom may never set foot in our iconic home in Mayfair. You will work closely with the Digital team to create and commission online content, with a focus on online revenue generation, leading a team of video producers to manage the Ri's programme of public and commercial filming, including YouTube films, livestreams and partner content.

Job Title: Digital Manager (Maternity-Cover)

Accountable to: Head of Digital, Marketing and Comms

Location: 21 Albemarle Street, London

Contract type: Fixed-term contract, full time (35 hours per week) From mid-February 2026 to end of April 2027

Salary: c£45,000 per annum

Closing Date: midnight on Monday 12 January 2026

Interview Date: Interviews are scheduled to take place 21/22 January 2026 

 

To apply, please go to: Work with us | Royal Institution

The Ri has a clear vision that ‘Science is for Everyone’ and it is our belief that everyone should have equitable access to science. Through our packed event programme available in person or online, our UK schools’ outreach and social impact initiatives, and our global digital reach including 1.6m YouTube subscribers, we achieve our mission by connecting people with scientists to explore science together. 

The Urenco Young Scientist Centre (UYSC) is an imaginative laboratory space at the Ri, where young people from Years 3-13 (age 7-17) can experience and explore science outside of the classroom. This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the delivery of workshops in the UYSC where students become a scientist for the day, testing their own scientific ideas by designing creative, hands-on experiments.  It would be a great first step into Science Engagement.

As the successful applicant, you will initially focus on providing technical assistance to the UYSC team, ensuring our visitors have a safe, engaging and educational experience. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in presenting workshops, developing content and contributing to the Ri’s wider science communication programmes, including the family, schools and public programmes as well as the world famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES

 

Job Title: UYSC Laboratory Technician

Accountable to: UYSC Manager

Location: 21 Albemarle Street, London

Contract type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

Salary: c£28,000 – £29,000 per annum 

Closing Date: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026.

Interview Date: We are hoping to interview w/c 19 January 2026. 

To apply, please go to: Work with us | Royal Institution

Invitation to Tender: Freelance Project Exhibition Curator

Ocean Plastics Exhibition

Royal Holloway, University of London

Key Information

Fee: £15,000 (inclusive of all costs)

Contract Length: c. 8-10 months (exact dates to be agreed)

Location: Hybrid (remote working with onsite delivery at Royal Holloway, Egham Campus)

Closing Date: 11 January 2026 (midnight)

Introduction

Royal Holloway, University of London is seeking to appoint a Freelance Project Exhibition Curator to lead the planning,

coordination, and delivery of public exhibition on Ocean Plastics & Sustainability, delivered in partnership with SC

Johnson (SCJ). The exhibition will adapt and expand SCJ’s established “Pure Ocean / Czysty Ocean” model,

integrating Royal Holloway’s environmental science research, community engagement programmes, and STEM

education activity.

About Royal Holloway

Royal Holloway is a research-intensive university with a strong cultural offer delivered through its Cultural Services,

encompassing the Art Collection, Picture Gallery, and Archives & Special Collections. The exhibition forms part of the

University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, widening participation, and civic engagement.

Project Overview

The exhibition will:

• Open in Spring/Summer 2026
• Adapt core elements from SC Johnson’s Polish “Pure Ocean” exhibition
• Add new content based on Royal Holloway research in plastics, sustainability, and waterways
• Include a schools and community programme delivered with Widening Access/Departmental Outreach

Scope of Work:

Exhibition Development & Content Creation

• Adapt key elements from SCJ’s exhibition model (eco quotes, plastic types display, recycling demonstrators)
• Develop enhanced UK-specific interpretive content including graphics, banners, and video material
• Produce Royal Holloway-specific contributions such as a research showcase and community engagement section
• Deliver the STEM Careers Corner with profiles, videos, and hands-on elements

Stakeholder Coordination

• Work with SC Johnson project leads
• Collaborate with Royal Holloway academics contributing content
• Coordinate with Cultural Services, Widening Access, Careers Service, and other internal partners
• Ensure clear communication and timely project updates

Project Management

• Create and manage a detailed project plan and timeline
• Oversee design, print, fabrication, and installation workflows
• Coordinate onsite installation and develop a maintenance plan

Public Engagement & Education

• Support planning of school workshops, community sessions, and science engagement activities
• Develop public-facing resources such as worksheets, bookmarks, and take-home materials

Evaluation & Reporting

• Produce interim progress updates for SCJ and Royal Holloway
• Contribute to a visitor evaluation framework
• Deliver a final evaluation report covering outcomes, engagement, and recommendations

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience curating public exhibitions
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to communicate scientific content to non-specialist audiences
• Experience collaborating across multiple teams or stakeholder groups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Experience in STEM engagement or environmental sustainability
• Experience collaborating with schools or community groups
• Understanding of widening participation agendas in HE

Budget

Fee available: £15,000 (inclusive of all costs). Royal Holloway will separately manage exhibition production costs.

Submit to:

Anne-Marie Purcell, Head of Cultural Services (Maternity Cover)

exhibitions@rhul.ac.uk

Deadline: 11 January 2026

Evaluation Criteria

• Understanding of project scope – 40%
• Relevant experience – 40%
• Value for money – 20%

Timetable

• Tender deadline: 11 January 2026
• Interviews: January 2026
• Contract start: January/February 2026
• Installation: Spring/Summer 2026
• Exhibition open: Spring/Summer – Autumn/Winter

2026

• Deinstallation & final report: Autumn/Winter 2026

Other Information

Royal Holloway will assess the employment status of the successful bidder for tax purposes. The University’s standard

freelance contract will apply. Site visits or informal conversations can be arranged on request.

The Ri has a clear vision that ‘Science is for Everyone’ and it is our belief that everyone should have equitable access to science. Through our packed event programme available in person or online, our UK schools’ outreach and social impact initiatives, and our global digital reach including 1.6m YouTube subscribers we achieve our mission by connecting people with scientists to explore science together.

We now have an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of our nationally renowned Masterclasses Programme, with a focus on Mathematics Masterclasses, please see below for more information. You will coordinate the delivery of the programme by liaising with volunteers who deliver the programme across the UK and at the Ri, attend Masterclass workshops, help to train new STEM communicators, and extend the impact of Ri Masterclasses to more young people

Job Title: Masterclass Project Coordinator

Accountable to: Masterclasses Programme Manager

Location: 21 Albemarle Street, London with some remote working and regular UK travel

Contract type: Permanent– full time, 35 hours (flexible work patterns considered)

Salary: c£32k per annum

Closing Date: midnight on Monday 17 November 2025.

Interview Date: Planned for 26/27 November

If you are a STEM enthusiast excited about using and developing your STEM communication and programme coordination skills to enrich young people’s experiences of STEM please see here for more information

Are you a recent graduate in physics or engineering (or related joint honours)? Do you have a passion for communicating your subject and enthusing the next generation of physicists and engineers?  The University of York are currently recruiting for a one-year internship, with mentoring by the Outreach Manager for the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, as well as by academic project leads.

 

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology has a proven track record of effective outreach. There is an extensive and highly successful programme of workshops and events that engage school students and members of the public through both face-to-face and online activities. Further information is available at: https://www.york.ac.uk/physics-engineering-technology/outreach. This role will play a key part in the development and delivery of activities, and will be involved in a range of initiatives, focusing on nuclear physics, fusion technologies, robotics, and AI.

 

The position is fixed-term for one year and is full-time (37 hours per week). The salary is £25,249 a year and the closing date for applications is Sunday 26 October.  

 

Full details are available at: https://jobs.york.ac.uk/vacancy/graduate-intern-for-physics-and-engineering-outreach-596691.html 

 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact me (Katherine Leech) on pet-outreach@york.ac.uk or 01904 32 2209. 

New Role: Head of Visitor Experience at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on skills & experience

Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for visitors? The Observatory Science Centre seeks an inspiring Head of Visitor Experience to lead our front-of-house team and ensure every guest has a safe, engaging, and memorable visit.

This is an especially exciting time to join us as we begin the next chapter in the Observatory Science Centre’s story. As Head of Visitor Experience, you will be at the heart of shaping our future, driving innovative new visitor experiences, enhancing service quality, and even more ways to spark curiosity and inspire people of all ages through the magic of science, history and discovery.  Please click here for the detailed job pack and how to apply.