I agree that this job, which requires a degree, enthusiasm and experience of working with children should pay more than that. I think unfortunately for us as science communicators, our profession is seen as so enjoyable that employers do not need to pay high wages as the lure of the job itself will attract good candidates. Are careers in science communication moving towards those in television, where the job itself is so desirable that employers often expect candidates to undertake lengthy unpaid work experience and then start on low wages? This option is obviously financially impossible in the absence of rich relatives or a visit to the bank manager to get more loans to pay rent/bills etc.

 

Apart from using science in a legal profession (patent attorney/litigation) it seems there are few careers that will allow you to use your science and earn you the average graduate salary (which according to prospects was £22,851 for 2006 graduates).

 

Could this be a reason why fewer and fewer students are choosing to study science at degree level, especially given the increasing cost of going to University?

 

-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Laura Goodall
Sent: 20 March 2007 15:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Job opportunities at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

 

My opinion is going to be short and sharp on this, but the Gallery Assistant position is really underpaid. How are we going to be able to effectively communicate science when we cannot even afford some of the basics. Someone with a degree and previous experience in this environment should not be getting so little. It looks like those with a masters in science communication would be ideal candidates for this position, but I did not spent a year and £4000 on my science communication MSc to be paid such insulting wages. Unless there were some very persuasive job perks, you will probably get the money's worth in the employee - not much.
I hope I have not upset anyone, but it always really disturbs me to think how little that people struggling to get into good science communication jobs are being paid.

Julia Kingston <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Posted on behalf of Catherine Price please reply to her-

We have the following 2 permanent vacancies coming up at Thinktank.

 

Gallery Assistant, £12,000 gross p.a.

The main part of this job is to help visitors of all ages access and enjoy science and technology through exhibit/object interpretation and the delivery of a dynamic and exciting programme of activities for a family audience.  You will ensure that visitors experience the highest level of customer service and that health and safety in the galleries is upheld. During term time you will be the main contact for school groups visiting the museum.

Ideally you will have the following:

o      Be educated to degree level preferably in a science or history related subject

o      A desire to follow a career in museums / science communication

o      Experience working with children, ideally in a museum/science centre or similar environment

 

Closing date for completed applications: 2nd April, 9.00am

 

Education Officer, £19,000 gross p.a.

The post holder will be responsible for the development and delivery of a wide range of education programmes for formal education audiences both within Thinktank and off-site, maintaining the current high standard of provision through review and evaluation.

You will have/be:

o      Minimum 12 months previous experience in an education role within a museum or science centre

o      Educated to degree level in a relevant subject

o      Minimum of 1 years science teaching experience within the Primary or Secondary sector, within the last five years

o      Some expertise in either Science, Technology or History

o      Good working knowledge of the National Curriculum and current government initiatives in science learning

 

Closing date for completed applications: 11th April, 9.00am

 

You can download full job descriptions and application forms from the website – www.thinktank.ac under the ‘News’ section, or else contact Catherine Price, on 0121 202 2202, [log in to unmask]

 

Julia Kingston
Education Manager

E [log in to unmask]
W http://www.thinktank.ac
T 0121 202 2319
F 0121 202 2320
____________________________

Thinktank Trust
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham B4 7XG

Registered charity no 1061898


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