Researcher

The BBC Studios Natural History Unit is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic researcher to work on a spectacular landmark production. You will be part of a talented and collaborative production team creating a groundbreaking, sequence-based place-based landmark natural history series for a global audience.

Key Responsibilities and Impact: You will need to be a highly experienced, creative, adaptable, and organised team player with a keen eye for a good story and good technical understanding. Your responsibilities will include:

• Researching and setting up filming for both blue-chip natural history and presenter-led sequences
• Offering practical support to Production Management, Producers, and Assistant Producers throughout the series, including on location
• Taking an innovative, ambitious, and imaginative approach to discovering, developing, and pitching outstanding content ideas

Requirements:

• Experience working across multiple episodes on at least two sequence-based landmark natural history series
• A proven track record of setting up shoots and extensive experience on location where you have played a central role in capturing sequences for broadcast
• A comprehensive technical understanding of cameras and lenses and an interest in cutting-edge camera technologies and techniques to produce visually new stories blue-chip natural history sequences
• Knowledge of and good contacts with leading wildlife experts and organisations across the African continent
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to build relationships with a variety of people from different backgrounds
• Track record of finding and developing new emotionally engaging and achievable behavioural stories that suit the editorial brief
• Resilience and stamina to sustain performance when under pressure with excellent organisational and planning skills

Desirable Criteria:

• A demonstrable understanding of the importance of safe management of shoots
• Experience working with presenters and contributors on location and generating behind-the-scenes content to a high level
• A specialist knowledge and experience of working in challenging environments
• A willingness to spend long periods on location
• Experience with new media and digital content
• Experience of sourcing, logging archive, and understanding archive restrictions

What We Offer:

• A flexible 35-hour working week with 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to buy an extra five days
• Defined pension (up to 10% employer contributions)
• Caring and parenting support, 24/7 remote GP access, life assurance, and accident benefit
• Career development in a values-led purpose-driven culture