A welcome from our Chief Executive 

Thank you for your interest in the British Science Association (BSA).

Never before has there been a greater need for science to be accessible to all. We therefore aim to transform people’s relationship with science and improve the diversity of science, to ensure that it represents – and can benefit – all of society.

We are a national charity, with 35 staff based mostly in London. We are a thriving organisation and in good financial health. Our rich heritage, combined with our modern, ambitious approach, enables us to have extensive reach and influence amongst a range of audiences. 

We are also ambitious about creating a diverse workforce and building an inclusive workplace that values all people.

You will be joining us at an exciting time for the organisation, as we work to deliver our new strategy, and seek to further sharpen the way we measure and demonstrate our impact.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Hannah Russell 

Chief Executive, British Science Association

Our purpose

Science is more than a body of research, people working in a lab or even the wider industry that surrounds that. 

It’s also a way of asking questions, making decisions, and understanding the world. Science is a tool that everyone in the UK can, and should be able to, use. In fact, for us to grow as a society, it’s essential that they do. 

We want a future where science is more relevant, more representative, and more connected to society.

In that future, everyone has the potential to contribute, whether it’s through the ideas they engage with, the jobs they do or the lifestyles they lead.  

In that future, scientists understand and include different perspectives, help more communities, and make even more breakthroughs.   

In that future, society shapes science. And society is all the stronger for it. 

Our vision and mission

Let’s break down barriers… 

The science sector has many structural and system-wide barriers that it’s time to remove. In particular, we’re working with business leaders, policy makers, scientists, community leaders, teachers, and many others to say goodbye to the old stereotypes of who a scientist ‘should be’. With their help, we’re bringing more voices into the conversation, to help more people see science (in all its forms) as a relevant part of their lives.

…So good ideas can thrive 

The UK is bursting with potential. We’re unlocking it. And we won’t stop until people and communities who’ve typically been overlooked by science can confidently play their part.  

We’re striving for a future where everyone is represented and has their voice heard on the issues that matter to them. So, science goes beyond being a lesson at school and becomes a way of thinking and making decisions – about looking after your health, protecting the planet and choosing and using new technology.  

Our work

The BSA has three core pillars of work:

1. Engagement– engaging public audiences, through programmes including the British Science Festival, The Ideas Fund and our Community Engagement work;​
   
   
2. Education– engaging students and educators, through programmes including British Science Week and CREST Awards;
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3. Thought leadership – we seek to influence and collaborate with stakeholders from across science, business and policy through events including For Thought and bespoke activities for policymakers, business leaders and the science engagement sector. 

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

For the BSA’s vision to come to fruition, we need to make science relevant and welcoming for everyone. That’s why equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) is central to our strategy and activities.  

Our target audiences are people who say they don't have an active relationship with science or say “science is not for me” – and who are underrepresented in science. This includes people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, people in faith/religious communities, disabled people, women and non-binary people, and many others.

We work directly with our target audiences and with a wide range of partners, networks and influencers to improve the diversity and inclusion of the BSA and the wider UK science/research sector.

Join our team

The BSA is an equal opportunities employer and a champion of equality, diversity and inclusion. 

We are committed to the fair and equal treatment of potential and existing employees in line with legislation including the Equality Act (2010) and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  

We recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD and other forms of neurocognitive variation.  We also seek to actively support employees’ wellbeing and mental health. We have colleagues trained as mental health first aiders. We also offer a reasonable adjustments passport.

We aim to recruit the person most suited to the job and welcome applications from candidates in different sectors, and from people who've gained their skills outside formal employment.

We would particularly welcome applications from people and communities who are currently underrepresented in our staff team, which includes people from minority ethnic groups, disabled people and men. 

You do not need to be a scientist to work for the BSA!

Employee benefits 

• Agile Working policy enabling you to work at home or in another UK location up to 4 days per week, if office-based, and to vary your working hours outside our 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm core hours, subject to the needs of the BSA;
• 27 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees); 
• Up to two days paid leave per year for significant voluntary commitments in support of professional and personal development, such as being a trustee of a charity or a school governor;
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme (4% paid by employer);
• Up to five days’ unpaid leave per year (this is down to the Manager’s decision and ensuring it does not affect work); 
• Life assurance from your first day, subject to scheme rules;
• Confidential telephone counselling service, offered by our legal insurance;
• Occupational sick pay: up to six weeks’ full pay per year (pro-rata for part-time employees); 
• Interest-free loan for season ticket, bike to work, and assisted study;
• Discounts may be offered on Science Museum tickets and in the shop.

Our office

We work in a modern office building on the Science Museum site. We are 5-10 minutes walk from Gloucester Road & South Kensington tube stations.

Our office is on the 3rd floor, accessible by stairs or lift. We have floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides of the office, so we have plenty of natural light. On our office floor, we have a kitchen, breakout area and standing desks.

Parking for cycles and motorbikes is available. Parking for cars is limited and prioritised for disabled people.

We have two all-gender toilets, one suitable for wheelchair users. Shower facilities are available on another floor.

Vacancies at the BSA

Visit our Current vacancies page to see the roles we're recruiting for.

Terms & conditions 

While we try to ensure that everyone finishes work on time, and can vary their working hours in line with our agile working policy, from time to time the job entails working extended hours and occasional weekends, for which no overtime payments are made. The BSA operates a time off in lieu policy for weekend working and some other out-of-hours instances.

Only applicants who have a legal right to work within the UK will be considered. You will be asked to bring along proof of nationality and/or proof of ability to work in the UK. 

You will also be asked to declare any previous convictions in line with your rights under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) order 1975.

This is a description of the job as it is presently constituted. It is the practice of the Association to examine job descriptions from time to time and to update them to ensure they relate to the job as then being performed, or to incorporate whatever changes are reasonably required, in discussion with the postholder.

Appointments are generally made to the bottom/lower end of the advertised salary range, however factors such as experience will be considered where appropriate.

A copy of our Privacy Notice is available on the vacancies page of our website. 

*The Disability Confident scheme’s definition of disability is in line with the Equalities Act 2010: “a physical or mental condition which has a long-term and substantial effect on your daily life”. 

Further information about our Disability Confident commitments can be found on the Disability Confident page of our website.