About the Role
We are looking for a Science Writer to join our training and development team here at NPL. You’ll have the exciting opportunity to design and create training and education materials, with plenty of autonomy and exposure to a variety of portfolios. You will be joining a collaborative and hard working team, utilising your creativity and problem solving skills. During your first few months of joining the team, you will be guided through our onboarding process to familiarise yourself with our processes and software systems, enabling you to apply this knowledge across a range of projects.  

About the Role

NPL Training designs and creates training in measurement science, for learners in science and industry.

For example, we have created accredited programmes of study, and our ‘Metrology Technician Apprenticeship’ is the UK’s first apprenticeship curriculum in measurement science.

We also develop and host e-learning, managing our portfolio through a Learning Management System, and building online courses using a bespoke authoring tool.

We are looking to appoint a Science Writer to help create our next wave of training products.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Designing curriculums for classroom, e-learning, and blended learning solutions
  • Designing and creating educational materials for scientific subject matter, including the use of interactive technology and audio-visual media
  • Comprehending complex scientific information to design accurate and engaging content, tailored to the audience
  • Developing your knowledge, skills and experience to stay up-to-date with information, theories and practice, especially in the fields of educational practice and learning technologies
Please note this role will be known as instructional designer internally.
 
We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.
About You

About You

Ideally, this role would be filled by an experienced science communicator/educator with a background in the physical sciences.

If that sentence describes you, then please apply.

However, we also welcome applications from practising scientists interested in working in training and communicating their expertise to others. If you are unsure whether you fit this description, but feel you have the skills required, please do apply.

This role will involve adding to, and working with, the complementary skillsets of a tight-knit team of people. It will likely involve a steep and exciting learning curve for the successful candidate. That does mean, however, that we place great emphasis on self-motivation and resilience, the ability to follow systems and procedures correctly, the ability to learn quickly and independently, and above all a pride in your work, attention to detail and a focus on quality.

Other essential attributes include:

  • A BSc (or similar) in a physical science
  • Strong mathematical skills commensurate with the level of a BSc degree
  • Accurate use of English in writing, especially explanatory writing
  • Ability to learn IT systems quickly
  • Strong time and workload management skills, to meet deadlines
  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity and problem-solving skills

Desirable but non-essential knowledge/experience would include:

  • Educational theories and practices
  • Audio recording and video editing
  • E-learning design
  • Working in a training or educational environment
About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.
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