Science in Schools Presenters (London, East & North-East of England, Scotland)

Capture the imagination of children and young people by sharing your passion for science.

Children's hands go up in a science in schools presentation
Image credit: Katherine Leedale

Accountable to: Head of Schools, Impact and National Partnerships

Location: London, East & North-East of England, Scotland

Contract type: Freelance 

Daily rate: £200 per day (plus travel), £100 per day whilst training

       

About the Role

Calling all Science presenters! Here at the Royal Institution (Ri), we are growing our team of school presenters and are looking for freelancers to join our team. The Ri team of professional presenters have an infectious enthusiasm and love for science that inspires audiences, entertaining and educating in equal measure. 

We are looking for presenters who can deliver engaging science shows to children in primary and secondary schools across the UK, and who are confident in sharing their knowledge with teachers and school staff. 

 A typical day as a Royal Institution Science in Schools presenter involves driving to the school, setting up and delivering two one-hour long student shows, one hour-long CPD training session for school staff, and then ending the day with a 45 minute after school show for families.   

The amount of work is varied, so you will need to be flexible. The estimated number of bookings vary by region, with all presenters receiving more bookings in the months of March and September. The freelance rate of pay is £200 per day (plus travel) for presenting and £100 per day while completing your training. Annualised hours contracts may also available, and can be discussed on an individual basis at interview. 

We currently have four positions available in the following regions: 

  • London 

  • East of England (inc. Cambridgeshire and Norfolk) 

  • North-East of England (inc. Newcastle and Middlesborough) 

  • Scotland   

Please note that this role includes the use of pyrotechnics and other potentially hazardous materials. Full training will be given, and the successful candidates will be required to adhere to all Ri risk assessments and health and safety guidelines.   

We are looking for candidates who:  

  • Have experience in presenting educational content (not necessarily science-based) to children and adults, with the ability to engage and excite audiences of all ages 

  • Are skilled performers with the confidence and ability to learn new content quickly and present to live audiences   

  • Can act as an ambassador for the Royal Institution   

  • Are committed to delivering exciting shows that keep everyone’s Health and Safety front and centre  

You will also need: 

  • A full driving licence and access to a vehicle (mileage will be paid) 

How to apply

Would you like to join our team?

If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying, please contact the recruiting manager via recruitment@ri.ac.uk

To apply, please email recruitment@ri.ac.uk with: 

  • An up-to-date CV   
  • A covering letter of no more than 500 words that explains more about you, why you want this role and how your skills, experience, and knowledge match what we are looking for 
  • A link to an example of you presenting. We really want to see you in action (it does not need to be about science). 

Please note that we are open to expressions of interest in this vacancy all year round. It would be helpful if you could indicate which geographical area you are interested in working, when applying.

Equal opportunities

The Ri is committed to equality of opportunity at all stages of the recruitment process. The information supplied in the recruitment monitoring form will be treated in strict confidence and will only be seen by Human Resources. It will not form part of the selection process.

You may choose not to disclose some or all of the information requested in the form, and this will not affect your application in any way.

About the Royal Institution

The purpose of the Royal Institution is to connect as many people as possible with science. We've been doing it for well over 200 years and have an international reach, working with world-leading scientists, from Hannah Fry to Carlo Rovelli.

We talk, and listen, to the public. We help scientists talk, and listen, to the public. We develop critical thinking and a spirit of exploration in young people through our educational work.

In our historic Grade I listed Mayfair building, discoveries were made that literally changed the world. Today it acts as base for the Ri team and tenants as well as a busy and vibrant event space for private and corporate events.