Calling all technicians: RI Christmas Lectures

By 03.09.20

The Technician Commitment is once again partnering with the Royal Institution to offer two placements for technicians from Technician Commitment Signatory Institutions to work on the 2020 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures and applications are open now! 

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 2020 Christmas Lectures.  Three expert scientists, Tara Shine, Chris Jackson and Helen Czerski, join forces to present the 2020 Christmas Lectures – Planet Earth: A user’s guide.

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 props, equipment or exhibits out of fabric or wood
  • 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 [email protected].uk by the 14 September 2020. 

Filming takes place: Dates of placement: Thurs 3 Dec – Fri 4 Dec; Mon 7 Dec – Fri 11 Dec; Mon 13 Dec – Sat 19 Dec (total of 13 days)

Interviews for the placements will take place with the Royal Institution team by Skype w/c 28 September.

For further details on the experience please take a look at the blogs by the technicians who received the Technician Commitment Royal Institution placements in 2019 here: https://www.technicians.org.uk/blog-behind-the-scenes-at-the-ri-christmas-lectures and https://www.technicians.org.uk/blog-behind-the-scenes-at-the-ri-christmas-lectures-part-2