www.sgm.ac.

uk

Education and Outreach Administrator

SGM plays a dynamic role in increasing public engagement with microbiology
to a wide range of audiences, both directly and by supporting the activities of
its members who are professional microbiologists. The Society uses a variety of
media to promote microbiology education at all levels from schools through to
universities and colleges. We also run an outreach programme to take
microbiology to the general public. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an
enthusiastic, flexible and self-motivated life sciences graduate to take a lead in
expanding our outreach and education activities throughout the UK.
Key attributes are:
• A sound knowledge of microbiology or molecular biology (degree level)
• Practical laboratory experience
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Initiative and accuracy
• Familiarity with IT packages such as Microsoft Office, Powerpoint & Adobe Creative
Suite; experience with design and layout would be an advantage
• The ability to juggle tasks and work under pressure
A qualification or other experience in science communication is essential and
experience of running hands-on activities is desirable. Knowledge of the UK
science curricula would be useful.
Applicants should be willing to work in the evenings and at weekends when
necessary and to travel throughout the UK.
Job Description

Education
• Assist in researching and producing educational resources, in both
printed and electronic format
• Organise and carry out practical workshops in microbiology for primary
and secondary school teachers and pupils nationwide
• Contribute to and update the Microbiologyonline website
• Organise and attend SGM stands at education events such as ASE Annual
Meeting, the Education Show
Outreach
• Participate in expanding SGM’s outreach programme to take
microbiology activities to more diverse audiences, including devising new
activities
• Organise and participate events at the Cheltenham and other science
festivals, Big Bang etc.
• Run fun, drop-in sessions at supermarkets and shopping malls
Member support
• Put together packs of microbiology activities and resources for SGM
members carrying out workshops in schools and for the public
• Manage the supply and distribution of the packs
• Give advice and suggestions in response to enquiries from members
General
• Make regular contributions to Microbiology Today
• Contribute to the SGM website as required
• Collaborate with colleagues to raise the profile of microbiology through
new media
• Respond to enquiries about microbiology and related issues from the
public, schools and members, in conjunction with other External
Relations staff
• Attend Society scientific conferences
• Assist with other external relations activities as appropriate and provide
cover for other staff on leave etc.
The post is permanent and the successful applicant should be able to start as
soon as possible.
Starting salary
Commensurate with qualifications and experience in the range: £22,753 –
27,930.
Working for the SGM
The Society offices are located in a pleasant commuter village just south of
Reading. The conditions of employment are excellent, and include group life
assurance, permanent health insurance and an employer pension contribution.
Applications
Email your CV, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and (where possible)
email addresses of two referees and a letter setting out why you are ideal for
the job to:
Mrs Dariel Burdass, SGM, Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers
Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. (Tel. 0118 988 1802; Fax: 0118 988 5656; email:
d.burdass@sgm.ac.uk)
Closing date: 3 May 2010. Interviews will be held on 11 May.