At a Glance
- Tasks: Create user-friendly documentation for a new collections management system at the Natural History Museum.
- Company: Join a world-class science research centre with over 80 million objects and 5 million visitors annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, hybrid working, and discounts at museums and cafes.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative programme that impacts one of the world's leading scientific institutions.
- Qualifications: Clear communicator with a knack for simplifying complex concepts; no prior experience required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we strive for a workplace where everyone belongs.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About The Role
Working within the museum for over 2 years, we at the RECODE (Rethinking Collections Data Ecosystems) team have been in the process of implementing a new collections management system. RECODE is a critical Museum programme that underpins the Museum’s vision and is central to almost every aspect of its collections and the management of those collections. It is an exciting time for the Museum and the RECODE programme as the new system approaches an internal Go-Live. As a Technical Writer in the RECODE programme you will work directly with the core programme team, our internal stakeholders as well as the software supplier, SER Group. You will play a key role in delivering the new CMS as part of the programme and in line with the Museum’s ambitious digital strategy. You will be a critical part of making sure the programme delivers an adoption ready, future proof and sustainable platform that the Museum can be proud of and continue to develop both for its internal users and external stakeholders.
About You
We hope to hear from people who are motivated by the opportunity to support a transformative programme with lasting impact on one of the world’s leading scientific institutions. You are a clear communicator able to translate complex technical concepts into accessible, user-friendly documentation. You are confident working independently while collaborating effectively across technical and non-technical teams as well as with a wide range of stakeholders. You have a structured approach to documentation, and a curiosity that drives you to learn quickly about new systems and domains. For a full person specification please see the job advert.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What We Offer
27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
Life insurance
Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi.
Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
How To Apply
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.
Closing date: 23:59 on 10 June 2025
Interviews expected: w/c 23 June 2025.
Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
RECODE-Technical Writer employer: Natural History Museum
Contact Detail:
Natural History Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RECODE-Technical Writer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Natural History Museum's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Museum, especially those in technical writing or related roles. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've translated complex technical concepts into user-friendly documentation. This is crucial for the Technical Writer role, so having concrete examples ready will showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in collections management systems and digital strategies within museums. Showing that you're knowledgeable about current developments will demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the RECODE programme.
We think you need these skills to ace RECODE-Technical Writer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Technical Writer in the RECODE programme. Familiarise yourself with the Museum's mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in technical writing, especially any work that involved translating complex concepts into user-friendly documentation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across teams.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the Museum's mission. Discuss your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the requirements outlined in the job description. Be sure to mention your structured approach to documentation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Technical Writer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Understand the Museum's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research the Natural History Museum and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their collections and current projects, especially the RECODE programme. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Technical Writing Skills
Prepare examples of your previous technical writing work that highlight your ability to translate complex concepts into user-friendly documentation. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you ensure clarity and accessibility in your documents.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
As a Technical Writer, you'll need to work closely with both technical and non-technical teams. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders, showcasing your communication skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the RECODE programme and the Museum's future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations.