Chief science writer

Background

The London Institute is unique. That’s not only because we’re Britain’s first independent institute for physics and mathematics, but also because we believe that communicating our discoveries is as important as making them. At the 2022 Webby Awards our website was named as one of five best science websites in the world, alongside Science and NASA. The Royal Institution, where we’re based, leads the world in science communication. Meanwhile, our commitment to science writing has seen us publish pieces in places such as The Times, The Guardian and The Spectator.

Job

Now we are looking for an outstanding science writer to carve out a new role, which will take our science communication to the next level. This will involve liaising with our scientists to write succinct summaries of their research, writing longer articles about our discoveries for the press, adding to and maintaining the copy on our website, and helping us develop our soft power through our events, relationships and opinion pieces. ❧ The position is full-time and offers a competitive salary. Candidates must work in the building—we do not work from home.

Candidate

This position requires a rare pairing of qualities: an understanding of physics or mathematics with a proven flair for science writing. You will have studied physics or mathematics at university and have a track record of writing in the broadsheet newspapers and publications such as Wired, Quanta, Scientific American and The Spectator. You will also be up for socialising with our team and visitors at our drinks and events. Candidate values include clarity, precision, ambition, irreverence, originality, commitment, simplicity, style, teamwork and vision.

Activities

Write modular copy for our website about our papers, events and funding, working with our scientists and design team. ❧ Write longer pieces for the press, celebrating our insights and shaping the debate on how to organise discovery. ❧ Develop our relations with science editors, writers and journalists, who visit us at the Royal Institution. ❧ Help us reach our annual research target by tracking weekly progress on writing and publishing papers. ❧ Work with our part-time writer and journalist Thomas Hodgkinson to write articles and refine our house style.

London Institute

The London Institute for Mathematical Sciences is a new kind of research organisation that is dedicated to speeding up discovery. Our focus on peak performance, full-time commitment to research and the level of support we offer our scientists empower them to make the biggest breakthroughs. ❧ The Institute is based inside the Royal Institution in Mayfair, which lays claim to 15 Nobel prizes and the discovery of 10 chemical elements and the principles of electromagnetism. ❧ You can learn more about the London Institute at our About, Values and Opinions pages.

Applying

To apply, send a CV and covering letter to at@lims.ac.uk. Short-listed candidates will be invited to visit. While there is no deadline, we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.