Researcher (Silent Witness)

BBC Studios Scripted; Highgate; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

BBC Studios Scripted in Digbeth Birmingham is seeking an experienced Researcher for Silent Witness to ensure scientific authenticity and credible storytelling. You’ll work with editors and producers to support forensic accuracy across scripts and develop well-sourced research for complex narratives.

You should have more than one year of editorial research experience in scripted drama, with strong attention to detail, audit trails, and ability to collaborate with experts and writers to maintain

Qualifications

• More than one year’s experience in editorial research in scripted drama (high-end or continuing).
• Demonstrable experience reflecting forensic attention to detail and wide sources.
• Ability to liaise with experts, writers and producers with tact and professionalism.
• Proven ability to maintain audit trails, verify facts and ensure continuity across storylines.
• Experience of television drama production processes and research support.

Responsibilities

• Work with specialists to ensure forensic accuracy and attention to detail across scripts.
• Investigate and verify facts and social issues to ensure authenticity and credibility.
• Collaborate with the script team to provide research insights shaping character development.
• Establish and maintain relationships with professionals to gather accurate information.
• Keep comprehensive logs and audit trails of research findings and sources.
• Attend script meetings and provide research-based ideas to enhance realism.

Skills

Editorial research

Job description

Since moving to a new studio space in Digbeth, Silent Witness is looking to develop local West Midlands based talent as they search for a new experienced Researcher to join the team. We are looking for people with more than one year’s editorial experience in scripted drama (high-end or continuing) who would be confident delivering accurate, sensitive, and well-sourced research that ensures scientific authenticity and credibility. Working with the wider editorial team, the role is pivotal in helping uphold forensic and scientific accuracy across the series alongside our scientific experts. It also involves investigating complex social issues and maintaining detailed records to uphold editorial standards. By balancing dramatic storytelling with factual accuracy, the Researcher plays a key role in shaping compelling, responsible narratives that reflect the real world. Joining the Silent Witness team means becoming part of one of the UK’s most iconic HETV shows. You’ll work alongside passionate, creative professionals who are committed to telling powerful, socially relevant stories that resonate with millions. As a Researcher, you’ll play a vital role in shaping authentic narratives, ensuring scientific accuracy and sensitivity in every episode. You will have the opportunity to grow your skills, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a legacy show celebrating its 30th anniversary this year!

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

The Researcher will report to the Senior Editorial team. Responsibilities will include:

• Work with specialists to ensure forensic accuracy and attention to detail across all scripts.
• Investigate and verify facts, procedures, and social issues to ensure authenticity and credibility in scripts and storylines.
• Collaborate with the script team and producers to provide research insights that shape character development and plot consistency.
• Establish and maintain relationships with professionals across various fields to gather accurate information and perspectives.
• Keep comprehensive logs and audit trails of research findings, sources, and communications for editorial transparency.
• Attend script meetings, offer alternative approaches, and provide research-based ideas to enhance narrative depth and realism.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

This position is for someone with proven significant experience in the editorial research field within scripted drama.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• More than one year’s experience in editorial research in scripted drama (high-end or continuing)
• Demonstrable experience reflecting your skillset, forensic attention to detail and a familiarity with conventional and specialised sources of information and research techniques
• Proven ability in liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including experts, writers, and producers, with tact and professionalism.
• Proven ability to offer solutions to research-based challenges.
• Evidenced ability to be meticulous in maintaining audit trails, verifying facts, and ensuring continuity across multiple storylines
• Experience of television drama production processes and the research support required to tell complex, relevant stories
• Demonstrable knowledge of television drama production - especially Silent Witness

CONTRACT TYPE: 9 Month PAYE DEPARTMENT: BBC Studios Scripted Drama – Silent Witness LOCATION: Digbeth Studios, Birmingham