Education & Public Engagement Officer

Queens University; Belfast; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Northern Ireland seeks an Education & Public Engagement Officer to create and coordinate learning programmes for children. This role involves engaging with stakeholders and requires excellent communication and organizational skills. The successful candidate will also have a solid understanding of scientific research. This is a fixed-term position for three years with potential for renewal.

Qualifications

• A primary degree in a relevant science subject (e.g., Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition).
• Significant recent experience in education, science communication, or a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong organisational, decision-making, problem-solving, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and coordinate learning programmes for children and young people.
• Develop engagement activities with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with researchers and community groups.

Skills

education

public engagement officer

biological sciences

Education

Primary degree in a relevant science subject

Job description

The post holder will join the Engagement and Impact team at the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, a collaborative research centre funded by Research Ireland, UKRI, and DAERA, and managed by QUB, UCD, and the University of Sheffield.

The role of Education & Public Engagement Officer involves creating and coordinating learning programmes for children and young people and developing engagement activities with a broad range of stakeholders. This position requires excellent communication skills and a solid scientific understanding of the Co-Centre's multidisciplinary research programme.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work in partnership with researchers, professional support teams, schools, community groups, policymakers, and industrial collaborators on the coordination and delivery of strategic projects. The role is office and community-based, five days per week, at the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (QUB).

About the person:

Essential Criteria:

• A primary degree in a relevant science subject (e.g., Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition), or equivalent experience in science communication or education.
• Significant recent experience in education, science communication, or a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Proven ability to develop learning resources that translate complex research into accessible content.
• Experience using social media for communication and outreach.
• Demonstrated success in delivering engagement activities for stakeholders and non-academic audiences.
• Strong organisational, decision-making, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and report writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and sound judgment to solve problems and maintain confidentiality.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 3 years. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

Skills:

• education
• public engagement officer
• biological sciences