List members may interested in the following position at the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science:

Press Assistant – BA Festival of Science

Each year, the BA holds the BA Festival of Science, one of the UK’s largest science festivals. It attracts over 350 of the UK’s top scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. This year, the BA Festival of Science will take place from 10-14 September at the University of York, with events in the city from 9-15 September. For further information about the Festival, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

The Festival generates a great deal of press interest, and the BA runs a strong press operation, providing journalists with press papers, holding press conferences and running the Festival Press Centre. We are looking for a Press Assistant to assist in the run-up to, during and immediately after the Festival. Your duties are likely to include assisting with:

*     Collating press papers
*     Identifying newsworthy stories
*     Writing press releases
*     Promoting the Festival
*     Co-ordinating a team of student helpers at the Festival
*     Setting up press conferences
*     Answering media registration and enquiries
*     Media evaluation post-Festival
*     Other tasks as reasonably required by the line manager or section Director

It is an excellent opportunity to gain experience of working with the press in a scientific context and in a fun but hectic environment.

Previous experience of working with the press is not essential, but would be an advantage. However, the following skills are essential:

*     Excellent written and verbal communication skills
*     Calm and organised manner
*     Computer literate
*     Experience of using Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer
*     Good telephone manner

Knowledge of Microsoft Access or other databases is highly desirable.

The Press Assistant will ideally begin work at the start of July and will work until at least the end of September. Some weekend work may be required in the run-up to the Festival. You must be available to attend the Festival in York from 8-14 September (inclusive). 

The role is offered at a salary of £16,000 per annum (pro-rata).

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter stating how you best meet the requirements of the role to:

Lisa Hendry
The BA
Wellcome Wolfson Building
165 Queen’s Gate
London SW7 5HD

Email: [log in to unmask] 
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Fax: 0870 770 7101

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 23 May 2007

If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

The BA aims to be an equal opportunities employer.


________________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System on 
behalf of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science)
________________________________________________________________________