Researcher

BBC; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading media company is seeking experienced researchers to join their production team for a new natural history series. The ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for natural history and have experience working on behavior-led productions. Responsibilities include developing content ideas, setting up shoots, and supporting production activities. This role demands excellent communication and organizational skills, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking storytelling in natural history.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable passion for the natural history genre.
• Experience working on behavior-led natural history for a mainstream audience.
• Collaborative work ethic and confidence to work independently.
• Resilience to perform under pressure from conflicting priorities.
• Experience in setting up international filming shoots.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop outstanding content ideas for nature series.
• Set up filming for blue-chip natural history sequences.
• Provide support to Producers and Assistant Producers during production.

Skills

Passion for natural history

Experience in behavior-led natural history

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to pitch creative ideas

Job description

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: B

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-term Contract

DEPARTMENT: BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU)

LOCATION: Bridgewater House Bristol with at least 4 days per week in the office.

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: Up to £38,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

START DATE: mid/late January 2026

Interviews will be heldMater early January 2026.

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS SUBJECT TO GREENLIGHT

WE ARE BBC STUDIOS

A globally renowned media company born of the BBC. We make and distribute the world’s most sought‑after TV audio and digital content.

Our ambition is to be the home of the most powerful, entertaining and inspiring stories for people all around the world.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Studios Natural History Unit is embarking on a spectacular landmark production following on from the recent success of Asia por America and Kingdom. We are looking for a number of experienced and enthusiastic researchers to work on this major project for a third‑party broadcaster.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

Join an ambitious production team creating a groundbreaking place‑based landmark natural history series.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

Researchers will need to be highly creative and organised with great storytelling skills. They will be expected to take an innovative, ambitious and imaginative approach to discovering, developing and pitching outstanding content ideas. In addition to researching and setting up filming for blue‑chip natural history sequences, they will be a good team‑player offering practical support to the Producers and Assistant Producers throughout the series, including on location.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• A demonstrable passion for the natural history genre.
• Experience working on behaviour‑led landmark natural history for a mainstream audience.
• Track record of finding new and emotionally‑engaging behavioural stories for television.
• Ability to generate and develop achievable creative ideas for programming output and to pitch ideas with the necessary supporting documentation.
• Collaborative work ethic and confidence to work well independently.
• Resilience and stamina to sustain performance when under pressure from a high"> volume of work and conflicting priorities whilst reporting to multiple line managers.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to build relationships with a variety of people from different backgrounds – including scientists, park rangers, trackers and fixers.
• Experience in setting up international filming shoots with an understanding of the importance of safe management of shoots.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Spanish and/or Portuguese spoken to a high level.
• Specialist knowledge and experience of working in challenging environments.
• Experience of working on blue‑chip behavioural shoots on location.
• Willingness to spend long periods on location.
• Proven knowledge and an interest in cutting‑edge camera technologies and techniques to produce visually new stories.
• Experience with new media and digital content.
• Experience in self‑shooting contributors and generating behind‑the‑scenes content மாவ்ப்பன்.

PLEASE NOTE

Candidates who are selected for interview will be asked to prepare an example of an original wildlife story. Please do not provide stories at this stage of the application process.

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