Research Trainee - Science Desk

The Institute of Art and Ideas; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational organization in Greater London is seeking a passionate Research Trainee to join its team. This role involves devising science debates and engaging with leading thinkers in the fields of philosophy and science. Candidates should possess strong academic credentials and the ability to generate innovative ideas. The position offers diverse responsibilities, from producing events to promoting output, and includes a range of benefits to support career progression and wellbeing.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Private healthcare insurance cashback

Cycle to Work

Company socials

Gym discounts

HowTheLightGetsIn festival ticket discounts

Qualifications

• Ability to identify and examine deeper philosophical ideas.
• Capable of developing engaging copy and innovative events.
• Proficiency in current scientific/philosophical theories.

Responsibilities

• Devise and create science debates in the IAI’s programme.
• Bring together leading speakers and theorists.
• Produce events, host speakers, and write briefs.

Skills

Passion for philosophy

Understanding of contemporary science

Journalistic flair

Persuasion skills

Capacity for innovative ideas

Education

Exceptional academic results (min. 2.1 from a top university)

Job description

This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the growth of a rapidly expanding and unique organisation, the Institute of Art and Ideas (IAI).

Described by The Guardian as “the return to big thinking” and by Total Politics as “Europe’s answer to TED,” the Institute of Art and Ideas (IAI) is home to IAI.tv, a leading global educational platform delivering high‑quality video interviews, debates, articles, and courses from the world’s foremost thinkers, scientists, artists, and policymakers. With an audience of tens of millions worldwide, the IAI is redefining how bold ideas are shared and taught across borders. Alongside its digital platform, the IAI also curates HowTheLightGetsIn, the world’s largest philosophy and music festival, bringing its mission of accessible thought and dialogue to live audiences year‑round.

We are looking for a bright and enthusiastic Research Trainee to join our rapidly expanding team. The successful candidate must have a passion for philosophy and science. They will have the ability to identify and examine the deeper philosophical ideas and broader implications of cutting edge contemporary science, along with the journalistic flair required to develop engaging copy and innovative events.

Working alongside our current research team, you will be responsible for devising and creating the science debates in the IAI’s programme, using your knowledge of current scientific/philosophical theories to identify key trends and exciting debate topics. Bringing together leading speakers and theorists in their field, you will have the opportunity to engage in and change the public conversation on a variety of ground-breaking ideas.

Alongside programming, you will have the opportunity to produce events, host speakers, write briefs and influence the promotion and publicity of our output. You will need to show the capacity to generate genuinely innovative ideas and the tenacity to make them happen.

We are looking for candidates with expertise in Philosophy and Physics/Philosophy of Physics/Science. Applicants for this position will need to demonstrate exceptional academic results (min. 2.1 from a top university) and in addition to a razor sharp mind, will have the personal communication and persuasion skills to excite the UK’s leading thinkers. You will be capable of making accurate editorial judgements and will have the originality to think on your own and in new directions.

At TVF Media, we are focused on supporting your career progression and wellbeing. In joining our team, you will also become eligible for our range of benefits, including our pension scheme, private healthcare insurance cashback scheme, hybrid working, Cycle to Work, frequent company socials and biannual parties, gym and HowTheLightGetsIn festival ticket discounts, and more!

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do.

If you think you have what it takes to succeed in this role, please apply now!