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BBC Studios’ The Science Unit, Glasgow, are looking for a highly motivated Series Researcher for Human (5 x 60’) a brand new landmark science series for BBC and PBS, starting production now and expanding its team in June 2023.

This presenter led ambitious series will tell the story of the 99% of human history that has never been written down – from the emergence of biologically modern Homo sapiens 200,000 years ago, up until the invention of writing. In this blue-chip series, we will use a combination of archaeology, spectacular travelogue and stylistically distinctive dramatic reconstruction to follow the dramatic twists and turns in the journey to becoming ‘us’: modern humans. It will combine engaging science narrative, actuality and captivating visuals.

The Researcher will originate and facilitate the production of high-end, scientifically robust and visually outstanding specialist factual content

• Identify and develop compelling, original storylines based around early human history, and navigate that science content accurately.
• Research and organise complex international shoots, source locations, liaise with fixers, identify relevant contributors, negotiate access, identify and manage logistical factors which may impact the shooting schedule.
• Manage access and relationships with contributors and team prior to filming and on location.
• Manage complex logistics prior to filming and on location.
• Research stories thoroughly, check all factual details, liaise with subject experts, undertake background research, obtaining verification from a variety of sources.
• Produce accurate and editorially relevant briefing notes based on thorough research, for use by APs, PDs, SP and Presenter.
• Fact-check scripts pre- and post- filming for accuracy, and flag up editorial or logistical issues that arise from fact-checking to APs, PDs and SP.
• Manage positive working relationships with the wider team, presenter, contributors, other departments, suppliers & partners (internal & external), ensuring the BBC maintains excellent relationships throughout.
• Proactively contribute to the creative direction of the series, both editorially and visually.
• Ensure full compliance with Editorial guidelines and all aspects of Health & Safety.
• Data wrangle at base where necessary.
• Support production of social media content where necessary.

• Significant experience as a Researcher on primetime productions with specialist factual content desirable.
• Experience of researching and setting up complex international shoots desirable. Experience of setting up and filming in remote locations desirable.
• Enthusiastic and creative self-starter with the initiative and tenacity to deliver results.
• Evidence of self-shooting 2nd camera desirable. Familiarity with camera equipment.
• Open to learning to use new camera technology.
• Experience of writing clear, concise content notes and briefs. Ability to sift through complicated scientific or logistical information and distil the most important points and their relevance to the editorial priorities.
• A strong communicator with ability to simplify complex problems and suggest effective solutions.
• Effective planning and organising skills. Ability to work under pressure and make fast measured decisions – reacting positively to changes and conflicting priorities, whilst maintaining standards of accuracy and attention to detail when working to tight deadlines.
• Ability to problem-solve on location.
• Ability to work well in a team and maintain positive relationships with contributors and the team in challenging circumstances.
• Knowledge of, or proactive awareness of when to consult, BBC Editorial policy guidelines and Health & Safety.
• Able to demonstrate judgement on appropriate referral of editorial and logistical issues to more experienced members of the production team.
• Competent understanding and experience of data management on location.

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here

Band: B
Contract type: Fixed Term
Location: Glasgow

Hybrid working: mix of working at home and 2/3 days in the BBC Pacific Quay office, Glasgow

Start date: 8th May 2023 for 12 months

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 on [email protected] with ref: BBC/TP/62154/66958 in the subject line.

We advertise all our roles on Evenbreak, the specialist job board for disabled candidates.

• Excellent career progression – the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
• Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
• Benefits- We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of 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.