At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, run the café, and support exhibitions at a leading biomedical research centre.
- Company: The Francis Crick Institute, a hub for scientific discovery and innovation.
- Benefits: 12 days holiday, free lunch, employee assistance programme, and workplace pension.
- Other info: Flexible start date and opportunities for personal growth in a diverse environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in science communication and visitor services in a vibrant gallery setting.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a can-do attitude; catering experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 € per year.
At the Francis Crick Institute, the Manby Gallery is our public gallery where visitors can enjoy both free exhibitions and a welcoming café space. The Gallery Host role is unique and vital, responsible for welcoming visitors, running the café and supporting the running of the exhibition. This unique role combines gallery visitor services, food and beverage service responsibilities, as well as occasional administrative support, making this an ideal role for candidates looking for early career opportunities in science communication and/or the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector.
The Crick is a biomedical research centre, where over 1,000 scientists work to learn more about human health. Our mission is discovery without boundaries and we share what goes on at the Crick in our free exhibitions in the Manby Gallery. The gallery and café are open Wednesday to Saturday every week. There are also ad hoc events which take place alongside the exhibition.
Visitor services training will be provided, along with specific training for each exhibition. The Gallery Host / Catering Assistant will work with Graysons, a privately-owned independent catering business. Food and beverage service training will be provided. Catering experience is not essential, but is desirable.
Key responsibilitiesWe are looking for someone with a can-do attitude, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in visitor services and providing a great experience for gallery visitors. Day-to-day tasks will include:
- Exhibition responsibilities
- Greeting visitors to create a warm and friendly experience throughout a visit.
- Setting up at the beginning of the day, maintaining the gallery during opening hours, and clearing up at the end of the day.
- Helping visitors to get the most out of their visit, answering basic visitor questions about the exhibition, or signposting them to more information (training will be provided).
- Conducting visitor observations and surveys, and recording visitor feedback.
- Attending Exhibition Team meetings and contributing to discussions related to the gallery.
- Catering responsibilities
- Preparing barista coffee/teas, serving cakes, and taking card transactions.
- Ensuring excellent customer service is delivered at all times.
- Assisting with stock control and cleanliness standards.
- Working together with kitchen and front-of-house teams.
- Supporting the delivery of high-quality food, beverage, and event services across the Crick.
- Upholding company food safety and hygiene standards.
- Reporting maintenance, cleaning and Health & Safety issues.
In the Gallery Host role, you will mostly work alone. There is another part-time Gallery Team Leader who works the other hours the gallery is open. You may be expected to work on bank holidays.
Rewards & BenefitsAs part of your package, we are offering:
- 12 days holiday
- Employee Assistance Program
- Workplace pension
- Free lunch
Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter (approximately a page is sufficient). The deadline to apply is 11:59pm 21 May 2026. Interviews (video call or in person) will be held between 25-29 May 2026. Ideally, you would start work on 24 Jun 2026. There is some flexibility on the start date.
Do get in contact by email with any questions.
Equality, Diversity & InclusionWe welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level. Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute's success.
The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.
Gallery Host / Catering Assistant employer: Graysons Restaurants
The Francis Crick Institute offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to grow in the GLAM sector while working in a vibrant and inclusive environment. As a Gallery Host / Catering Assistant, you will benefit from comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and the chance to engage with visitors in a dynamic setting that combines science and art. With a commitment to employee well-being, including 12 days of holiday and an Employee Assistance Program, the Crick fosters a workplace where diversity is celebrated and every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gallery Host / Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Crick and its mission! Before your interview, dive into their work and exhibitions. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your passion for science communication with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since the Gallery Host role is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, think of examples where you've provided excellent service or resolved issues. We want to see that can-do attitude in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your teamwork abilities! Whether it's working with the kitchen staff or engaging with visitors, highlight experiences where you've collaborated effectively. Teamwork is key in this role, so let us know how you shine in a group!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Crick team. Good luck, and we can't wait to see your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Gallery Host / Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the Gallery Host role. We want to see how your background aligns with visitor services and catering, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your genuine interest in the role and the Crick's mission. Share why you’re excited about working in a gallery environment and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming experience for visitors.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves interacting with visitors, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of past experiences, we want to see how you connect with people!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your CV and cover letter reach us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Crick!
How to prepare for a job interview at Graysons Restaurants
✨Know the Gallery Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Francis Crick Institute and the Manby Gallery. Familiarise yourself with their exhibitions, mission, and visitor services. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to enhancing the visitor experience.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Gallery Host, you'll be interacting with visitors regularly. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you went above and beyond to help someone or created a welcoming atmosphere. This will demonstrate your can-do attitude and communication skills.
✨Get Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle food and beverage service, even if you don't have direct experience. Brush up on basic food safety and hygiene standards, and be ready to discuss how you'd ensure a clean and safe environment for visitors while serving them.
✨Be Open About Your Availability
Since the role may require working on bank holidays and during various events, be clear about your availability during the interview. Showing flexibility can make you a more attractive candidate, especially since the gallery operates on a varied schedule.
