The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The Society’s fundamental purpose is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists continue to make outstanding contributions to science across the wide breadth of research areas.
Our major schools’ engagement programme includes:
- Partnership Grants of up to £3000 for schools and colleges to enable students, aged 5 – 18, to carry out investigative science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) projects, in partnership with a STEM professional: Partnership Grants | Royal Society
- Developing Evidence-based resources to support excellence in the teaching of science, maths and computing, in particular around scientific literacy and practical science.
- Tailored schools programme at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition.
This role will specifically be responsible for identifying and developing links with STEM partners, supporting, and training the STEM professionals involved in our Partnership Grants scheme. They will support the STEM professionals to design research projects, for schools, based on the research being undertaken by scientists. They will also support Society-funded scientists across a range of schemes including our early career research fellowships (University Research Fellows, Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows and Career Development Fellows) and schemes that have schools’ engagement aspects such as the APEX awards, and the Public Engagement awards.
The Senior Schools Engagement Officer (scientific liaison) will support and manage a new pilot initiative of seed grants within the Partnership Grants programme which are specifically designed to support organsiations (educational, higher education and/or industry) to develop relationships which will lead to impactful and long-term engagement between local schools and STEM professionals and provide a pathway for schools to apply for a Partnership Grant. They will also ensure that best practice is shared across these pilots and impact case studies collected.
This role will work with the Head of Schools Engagement, Schools Engagement Manager, and other members of the Schools Engagement team to manage and develop the Society’s Schools Engagement programme in line with the Schools Engagement strategy. Equally they will work with senior Grants teams to develop outreach skills and opportunities for funded scientists, therefore helping to inspire and enthuse the next generation of scientists.
The post holder should have teaching experience in UK schools or colleges and should have a good understanding of curriculum-linked design. They should also have good organisational skills, a commitment to high standards throughout their work, and a good attention to detail. In return this position offers opportunities for the successful candidate to contribute to a new and exciting programme of education outreach activities and to help develop successful schemes which benefit scientists, teachers and young people. They will also get the chance to be part of the work of one of the most respected scientific organisations in the world.
The post holder will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Reports to: Schools Engagement Manager
Line manages: Schools Engagement Officer
Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG plus hybrid remote working
Pay Band: D
Salary: £43,900 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week (full time) some travel (mainly within the UK), evening and weekend work required)
Closing date for applications: 24 April 23:59pm.
Interviews to take place week commencing 13 May 2024.