At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a wildlife series team, researching and pitching captivating stories.
- Company: BBC Studios NHU, a leader in natural history filmmaking.
- Benefits: £19,825 pa training bursary, hands-on experience, and professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive opportunity with support programme for under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Kickstart your media career while exploring the wonders of the natural world.
- Qualifications: Intermediate Adobe InDesign skills and a passion for wildlife and storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 19825 - 19825 € per year.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 15th March 2026
Training bursary: £19,825 pa
Location: Bristol (international travel is not anticipated on this placement)
Start date: April
Duration: 12 Months
Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
If you are fascinated by the natural world and want to kickstart your career in TV, this opportunity on a landmark wildlife series in Bristol could be the one for you. BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU) in Bristol is embarking on a new spectacular landmark production following on from the recent success of Asia, The Americas and Kingdom. They currently have a coveted opportunity for a Trainee Researcher to join this new series for twelve months.
The successful candidate will work alongside the rest of the production team, helping with tasks such as:
- Assembling detailed, high-quality story pitch documents to be presented to the client broadcaster.
- Using the internet, social media and scientific journals for fact-finding.
- Calling scientists and other wildlife experts to discover new stories and information.
- Writing up research findings in an easy-to-digest form for Producers to evaluate.
- Helping to log and organise footage using Avid editing software.
This is the ideal opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of blue-chip natural history filmmaking whilst building skills that could help launch a career in the media industry.
What you will learn:
- Insight into how the BBC NHU Bristol team operates.
- Storytelling and research techniques specific to the natural history genre.
- Administrative and editorial skills.
- How to work collaboratively in a large team.
- Opportunities to learn how to present and pitch ideas to a client.
- Basic understanding of industry-leading editing software.
What we’re looking for:
Essential:
- Competent to an intermediate or advanced level in Adobe InDesign software.
- An ability to speak confidently on the phone to scientists and other wildlife experts.
- Demonstrable experience or interest in the media; including enthusiasm for factual content and documentaries.
- Team player with the ability to take the initiative.
- Creative and bursting with engaging ideas.
- A demonstrable interest in the natural world.
To apply:
- Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity.
- Upload your CV and cover letter as one document (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be accepted).
- Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully.
- Do not contact the company directly.
- Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk.
This opportunity is open to individuals from groups that are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under‑represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.
The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Creative Access support programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of induction training, monthly masterclasses, wellbeing support, buddying/mentoring, and more.
Trainee researcher, BBC Studios NHU in Bristol employer: Hachette UK
BBC Studios Natural History Unit in Bristol offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring media professionals to immerse themselves in the world of wildlife filmmaking. With a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and creativity, employees benefit from comprehensive training, mentorship, and access to industry-leading resources. This role not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also fosters personal and professional growth within a renowned organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee researcher, BBC Studios NHU in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the BBC Studios NHU inside out! Research their past productions and current projects. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the industry on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to make yourself known and learn from others.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your phone skills! Since you'll be calling scientists and experts, get comfortable speaking on the phone. Role-play with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, tailor your cover letter to highlight your passion for wildlife and storytelling – it’ll make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee researcher, BBC Studios NHU in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the Trainee Researcher role. Highlight your passion for the natural world and any relevant experience in media or research. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Adobe InDesign and any other relevant skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so be sure to showcase your abilities clearly in your CV.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Once you've put together your application, give it a thorough proofread. Remember, once you hit submit, you can't make changes! We want to see your best work, so make sure everything is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through the Creative Access platform as instructed. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Natural History
Brush up on your knowledge of wildlife and natural history documentaries. Familiarise yourself with recent BBC productions and be ready to discuss what you find fascinating about them. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Master Your Research Skills
Since the role involves fact-finding and writing up research, practice summarising complex information into clear, engaging pitches. Prepare a few examples of how you've done this in the past or how you would approach it for a specific topic related to wildlife.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Highlight instances where you took the initiative or contributed creatively. The BBC values collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work well with others is key.
✨Practice Your Phone Skills
Since you'll need to call scientists and experts, practice speaking confidently over the phone. You might even want to role-play a few scenarios with a friend to get comfortable. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview.
