Applications for the 2014 x-change are now OPEN! Application deadline – 17.00, 16 July 2014 

Be a part of the British Science Festival, in Birmingham September 2014 – Become an x-change volunteer!

Apply here.

This is the perfect opportunity for those with a particular interest in science communication to work on one of the most popular parts of the British Science Festival: the live (and lively) daily round-up of the best bits of the Festival – the x-change!

It’s a great chance to gain experience in producing science communication events and media. You will be involved in the whole production of the event from speaker selection to event management each day. It’s also an excellent opportunity to take part in the UK’s longest-established science festival and have many chances to network with some of the UK’s top science communicators. We will also cover your travel expenses, food and accommodation for the duration of the Festival in exchange for your time and hard work.

What does it take to be an x-change volunteer?

We’re looking for confident, creative and hard-working people with the ability to be proactive and work to tight deadlines. You must be a team player and adaptable to new ideas. A genuine enthusiasm for science communication is essential, as is an interest in podcasting. We’re looking for people with great ideas and attitude but may not have had the opportunity to put these into practice yet.

This role is designed to give you great experience in science events or broadcasting, if you’re looking to start a career in science communication but haven’t had a lot of experience yet, this could be the role for you! It would particularly suit those doing an MSc in Science Communication or hoping to do so but this is not essential.

The x-change team take part in five intense days of work, starting at 8.30am and ending each day at around 6.00pm. You must also be free for the x-change training day and you will be required to do some preparation work before the Festival.

As part of the x-change team you would be involved in all aspects of running the event from production and publicity to blog-writing and podcast editing.

If you’ve got any questions about being part of the x-change team, get in touch with the organisers here.

Find out more about past volunteers:

Time commitment:

If you wish to volunteer for the x-change, you must be able to meet the following time commitments:

  • Team briefing day – 24 or 25 July 2014, London – date TBC
  • Some (online) preparation work before the Festival – emailing speakers, planning shows etc
  • Attending the British Science Festival and being willing to relocate to Birmingham for the duration – 6-11 September 2014