Cool scicomm job in the UK

Science Content Director

Competitive salary and attractive benefits package

International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne

The International Centre for Life is a pioneering science village based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. It brings together over 500 researchers, clinicians, business people and education and science engagement professionals who are all united in their passion for science. Life is home to Newcastle University’s Institute of Genetic Medicine and two NHS clinics, including a Fertility Centre. Life has achieved several world firsts and is renowned internationally for its work in regenerative medicine.

The Life Science Centre, which opened in May 2000, is the only purpose-built science centre in the North, attracting up to 300,000 visitors per year. Its mission is to inspire people to make sense of the world through science. The centre’s innovative engagement programme attracts a broad audience made up of families, school children, adults, pre-schoolers and teenagers. It also has one of the biggest programme of science workshops for schoolchildren in Europe.

Life is moving into a new and exciting phase of development in its third decade of operation. We want to appoint an experienced individual to be part of this journey, to lead on science content and to help build further Life’s growing reputation for innovative science engagement. Your primary responsibilities will be to contribute with energy and enthusiasm to the mission, to devise and manage a comprehensive programme of science engagement and to provide creative input into a new master planning exercise for the centre.

Science in the 21st century is fast moving, potentially life-enhancing and certainly controversial. As a centre in the heart of a science village that has an international reputation for regenerative medicine, we pride ourselves on engaging people with the cutting edge work taking place on site. The successful candidate will take a keen interest in contemporary science and be experienced in making it relevant and accessible to the public.

You will be an inspirational manager, capable of leading a team that is both creative and effective at developing exhibits, programmes and capital projects. A proven track record at senior level in a science centre or museum is essential as is your ability to develop strategic alliances and partnerships with cultural and commercial organisations, nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate will be part of a small senior management team where there is the potential for progression.

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To apply for this vacancy, please complete the online application form by Monday, 11 March 2019. Please include details of your current salary in your application.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Linda Conlon, Chief Executive at Linda@life.org.uk

Please note that the successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. Details of our DBS policy are available on request.