Specialist Researcher, Landmark Series

Job Introduction

BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit (NHU) is the leading producer of wildlife programming, creating award-winning content with a world class reputation.

Our output ranges from ambitious landmarks for BBC One and iPlayer (Green Planet, Dynasties, and Planet Earth III) to children’s programming (Deadly 60 and Andy’s Adventures), as well as ground-breaking adventure, formatted, presenter led, feature docs and event programming such as Endangered for Discovery Channel, Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+ and live programming such as the BAFTA winning Springwatch for the BBC.

Off the back of the success of The Green Planet we are embarking on a major plant-based series for a global audience. We are looking for a specialist researcher with an in-depth knowledge of plant animal interactions.

Main Responsibilities

You will need to be highly creative and organised with good storytelling skills. You will have the ability to take an innovative, ambitious and imaginative approach to developing outstanding content ideas.

Are You the Right Candidate?

•    You will have an academic qualification(s) and/or a specialist knowledge demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of plant animal relationships.

•    Good contacts and knowledge of leading experts in the field of plant and animal biology.

•    The ability to generate ideas and find stories from around the world and present them to the producers you will be working with.

•    A strong interest in clear written storytelling, ideally with the demonstrated skill of turning scientific ideas and discoveries into accessible and interesting stories for the public.

•    The ability to work independently but also with great teamworking skills and ability to forge relationships with external partners (eg scientists and conservation groups).

•    An interest in natural history television production is desirable.

Job Package

Band: B

Requisition: 18981

Salary: £27,000 - £34,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

Start date: Late October onwards

Contract type: FTC 6 month with potential to extend

Location: Bristol/remote

Working Pattern: Hybrid

Interviews are expected to be held in person or via Zoom w/b 14th or 21st October 2024.

We are really proud to share that we are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and so if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply please do contact us [email protected] with the job reference in the subject.

We offer flexibility, competitive benefits and the opportunity to be part of the BBC's exciting mission. Some of the key benefits you’ll get from working in this role are:

Flexible/Agile working - opportunities across the business. We believe in empowering you to do your best work, so we offer support and flexibility to balance work and home. We’re happy to discuss a formal flexible working pattern. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at the offer stage.

Unrivalled training and development opportunities - we operate a people-first culture and pride ourselves on your development. Our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certifications.

Excellent career progression - BBC Studios offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation. Leaders at the BBC are passionate about helping our people grow in the organisation and you will have regular sessions with your line manager to support you with your career ambitions.

Benefits - We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (plus an additional day which is a Corporation Day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.

The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background. More information on our D&I plan can be found here.

BBC Studios puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do both onscreen and offscreen, including delivering against the BBC Group’s science-based Net Zero targets.