At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop engaging public outreach programmes in Chemistry with schools and the wider community.
- Company: Join the University of Warwick's innovative Department of Chemistry, a leader in research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by inspiring others to engage with Chemistry and tackle global challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in public engagement or teaching Chemistry, with a passion for science communication.
- Other info: Part-time role with a supportive and inclusive environment focused on career development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are looking to hire a candidate to join the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group; who will lead, deliver and develop public engagement and outreach programmes in partnership with the Royal Institution of Great Britain (Ri), Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE) and the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group’s (BHCG) collaborators. This will include working with schools and the wider public to inform, educate, and inspire people to engage with the physical sciences (with a focus on Chemistry), and raise awareness of NTDs. This will be achieved nationally through bespoke lectures and workshops, and internationally working with science communicators to curate suites of podcasts and videos through BBC sounds, TikTok and Youtube etc, exploring chemistry, snakebite research and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The role will include research as part of the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group, notably supporting the delivery of longitudinal prospective cohort studies with school students and university students to determine the impact of public engagement on the perception of Chemistry. More broadly the role will help develop a public engagement research culture. The role is part-time (0.6FTE) and funded by an EPSRC funded project.
The ideal candidate will have experience in public engagement and schools outreach in Chemistry (or other Physical Sciences) or have experience teaching Chemistry. They will be in the early stages of developing their own independent science communication/public engagement career or teaching career. They will be passionate about Chemistry and Chemistry teaching. They will have an interest in delivering impactful and measurable engagement, with experience of tracking the impact of engagement through surveys, questionnaires, focus groups etc.
The Department of Chemistry at Warwick is a thriving community of students, academics, researchers, and support staff. Our fundamental research pushes boundaries in all major fields of Chemistry. Through collaborations with the wider science community and industry, our applied work aims to tackle huge global issues from antimicrobial resistance, to solar energy harvesting, and sustainable materials. We provide an inclusive, vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for chemistry.
We are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. Both the Department of Chemistry and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN silver awards, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment, recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities.
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
Closing Deadline: Sunday 12 April 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time). To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment), outline the reasons for your interest in this position, and demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description.
We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Access to flexible working arrangements.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
To find out more about our commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please see: Our Commitments | University of Warwick.
Research Assistant (Public Engagement Officer) (111386-0326) in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
Contact Detail:
University of Warwick Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Public Engagement Officer) (111386-0326) in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of public engagement and chemistry. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for chemistry and public engagement. Share your ideas on how to inspire others and make a real impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisations you're applying to. Understand their projects, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in public engagement and chemistry education.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Public Engagement Officer) (111386-0326) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in public engagement and outreach, especially in Chemistry or Physical Sciences. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share your enthusiasm for Chemistry and how you plan to inspire others. Remember, this is your chance to shine and show us your personality!
Address the Criteria: Go through the job description and make sure you address each of the essential and desirable criteria. Use clear examples from your experience to demonstrate how you meet these requirements. We love seeing concrete evidence of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our Careers Portal! It’s the only way we can consider your application. Make sure you hit that deadline – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Warwick
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on your chemistry knowledge, especially around public engagement and outreach. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire others about the subject, particularly in relation to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and snakebite research.
✨Showcase Your Engagement Experience
Prepare examples of your past public engagement or teaching experiences. Highlight any measurable impacts you've had, like tracking engagement through surveys or focus groups, as this will demonstrate your ability to deliver impactful programmes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Collaborators
Research the Royal Institution of Great Britain and Warwick Institute of Engagement. Understanding their missions and recent projects will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in collaborating with them.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the future of public engagement in chemistry or how the department measures the success of its outreach programmes. It shows your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills.