At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the press office in managing science stories and press briefings.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the Wellcome Collection in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in science communication and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for science and media.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: London (Euston). We’re an office-based organisation and staff are expected to be in the office five days a week.
Start date: Expected early-mid September (exact date to be agreed).
Interviews: In-person at our London office, date TBC but likely w/c 10th August 2026.
We are looking for a Press Office Assistant to help us make, break and react to some of the biggest science stories in the national news. This is an office-based role in a fast-moving, open-plan team based in the Wellcome Collection building.
The Press Office Assistant will take responsibility for the logistics of this busy press office. They will help the press officers to efficiently run multiple press briefings a week, monitor the media for controversial stories about science, and help to evaluate the impact of the SMC’s work. This is not a Press Officer role, but everything you do will be aimed at supporting the SMC team at the SMC to ensure the news media get access to accurate, evidenced-based science when science is in the headlines.
What we are looking for:
- The right candidate for this job will be someone who wants a career in science communication and is prepared to start by offering their exceptional organisational skills to support those on the front line, including the Chief Executive.
- We’re looking for a hard-working, outgoing individual who will thrive in a fast-paced environment where the ability to demonstrate initiative and keep a clear head will be essential.
- You should be genuinely excited by the SMC’s work, across both science and the media and where they intersect, and curious about the stories we engage with.
- We want an enthusiastic individual with good judgement who is excited to learn the ropes and develop their skills in a small but high-impact office.
What we can offer you:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure, increasing after 5 years’ service.
- Annual performance and pay reviews.
- Generous pension, healthcare, and family-friendly provisions.
- Free gym and discounted lunch options.
Selection process:
- Application (CV and cover letter).
- Interview consisting of a 40min task and 40min panel interview.
- References.
How to apply: Send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 1 side of A4) to jobs@sciencemediacentre.org detailing why you want this particular role, and how you fit the essential and desirable requirements as outlined in the role profile.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact the current post holder Benjamin Simmonds on 020 7611 8345 or benjamin@sciencemediacentre.org.
Applicants must have a pre-existing right to work full time in the UK as we are unfortunately unable to sponsor visas.
We know that some demographics are less likely to apply for roles if they don’t feel they meet every requirement. We encourage all applicants who have a strong interest in our work and believe they have the right skills to succeed to apply for the role.
Press Office Assistant employer: Science Media Centre
As a Press Office Assistant at the Science Media Centre in London, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to ensuring accurate science communication in the media. Our office culture fosters growth and collaboration, offering 25 days of annual leave, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional development in a fast-paced environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on how science stories are shared with the public while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Euston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Office Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Science Media Centre!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Science Media Centre, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Press Office Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Science Media Centre:When applying for the Press Office Assistant role at Science Media Centre, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Science Media Centre produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Science Media Centre
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Science Media Centre. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
