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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and interactive STEM content for exhibits, workshops, and shows.
- Company: Join the Cambridge Science Centre, a hub for innovative science engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making science exciting for kids aged 5-11!
- Qualifications: Bring your creativity and passion for science; experience in education is a plus.
- Other info: Work at our vibrant Cambridge venue with opportunities for outreach and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Role Overview:
The Product Development Officer will be responsible for designing and producing innovative, dynamic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) content for Cambridge Science Centre. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions, this role requires a creative approach to developing exhibits, shows, workshops, and activities that are interactive, age-appropriate, and engaging for a diverse audience. This position also plays a key role in coordinating school holiday programmes and ensuring staff are well-prepared to deliver high-quality content both within the Centre and through outreach.
We welcome candidates from various professional backgrounds, including those with industry experience. While experience working in an educational setting is not required, a keen interest in science communication and engagement is essential. Flexible working arrangements are available, including occasional opportunities to work from home.
Key Responsibilities:
● Content Development:
o Develop exhibits, school workshops, public shows, and lab activities, ensuring they are creative, educational, and engaging.
o Collaborate with the Head of Exhibitions on content design and, where appropriate, take the lead in production.
o Regularly update and refine existing products to maintain relevancy and excitement for visitors.
o Benchmark content to ensure high quality in all public-facing materials. o Investigate new sources for activities, content, and consumables, focusing on cost-effectiveness.
o Stay up to date with other STEM engagement providers to enable CSC to be at the forefront of best practices in the field.
● Programme Coordination:
o Support the planning and coordination of school holiday programmes, aligning with the Centre’s educational objectives and visitor needs.
o Work closely with the delivery team to ensure all staff are properly trained and confident in delivering Centre and outreach content.
● Stakeholder Collaboration:
o Foster strong relationships with internal teams, supporting collaborative and efficient workflows.
o Build and maintain positive working relationships with external stakeholders, enhancing the Centre’s reach and impact.
Skills and Qualifications:
● Required:
o Demonstrated creativity and innovation, with a passion for science education beyond formal classroom settings.
o Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
o Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate effectively from STEM academic and industry concepts to CSC’s core audience.
o Excellent interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic and tactful approach to stakeholder interactions.
o Ability to work within a defined budget
● Preferred:
o Background in science, STEM engagement, or science communication.
o Experience in content development, either from an industry perspective or educational outreach.
o Understanding of the charity sector
Additional Information: The primary location for engagements will be Cambridge Science Centre’s main venue at The Trinity Centre, Science Park, Milton, Cambridge CB4 0FN. Occasional office work may be required at CSC’s Head Office at 44 Clifton Road, Cambridge CB1 7ED.
Standard working hours are 7.5 hours per day. Parking and bike storage are available at both CSC locations.
Benefits include:
● 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
● Mental health support in partnership with BetterHelp
● Contributory pension scheme
Recruitment Process and Timeline:
To apply for the position of Product Development Officer at Cambridge Science Centre, please submit your CV and a Cover Letter explaining why you are interested in joining the Centre and how your skills and experience align with the role.
For candidates invited to interview we would love to see examples of your creativity, so please bring with you anything that would support your application, in a suitable format. Bear in mind, if possible, the age range of our audience is 5-11.
The interview will also include a discussion with the panel, which is expected to take place in-person.
Application Deadline: Interviews: 6th January 2025 Week commencing 13th January 2025
Product Development Officer employer: Cambridge Science Centre
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Science Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in STEM education and engagement. This will not only help you understand what makes content engaging for a diverse audience but also demonstrate your passion for science communication during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your creativity by bringing examples of past projects or ideas that align with the role. Think about how you can present these in a way that resonates with the age range of 5-11, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the STEM education field. Engaging with others who share your interests can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your organizational skills by preparing a plan for how you would approach developing a new exhibit or workshop. This will show your ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently, which are key aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customize your cover letter specifically for the Product Development Officer role. Highlight your passion for science education and how your creativity aligns with the Centre's mission to engage diverse audiences.
Showcase Your Creativity: Since the role emphasizes creativity, include examples of your previous work that demonstrate innovative content development. Bring any relevant materials to the interview that showcase your creative approach, especially those suitable for a 5-11 age range.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV, emphasize skills such as organizational abilities, communication skills, and experience in content development. Make sure to mention any background in STEM engagement or science communication, as these are preferred qualifications.
Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your ideas for engaging STEM content during the interview. Think about how you can translate complex concepts into fun and educational experiences for children aged 5-11, as this will be a key focus of the discussion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Science Centre
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role emphasizes creativity in developing STEM content, bring along examples of your previous work that demonstrate your innovative approach. This could be anything from lesson plans to interactive exhibits you've designed.
✨Understand Your Audience
Keep in mind that the primary audience is children aged 5-11. Tailor your examples and ideas to show how you can engage this age group effectively, making learning fun and interactive.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
The position requires strong collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Since managing within a defined budget is crucial, think of examples where you have successfully developed content or programs while being cost-effective. This will show your ability to balance creativity with financial responsibility.
