Trainee researcher, BBC Studios NHU

Closing date for applications: Sunday 15th March 2026

Training bursary: £19,825 pa training bursary

Location: Bristol (international travel is not anticipated on this placement)

Start date: April

Duration: 12 Months

Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

If you are fascinated by the natural world and want to kickstart your career in TV, this opportunity on a landmark wildlife series in Bristol could be the one for you.

BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU) in Bristol is embarking on a new spectacular landmark production following on from the recent success of Asia, The Americas and Kingdom.

They currently have a coveted opportunity for a Trainee Researcher to join this new series for twelve months. The successful candidate will work alongside the rest of the production team, helping with tasks such as:

• Assembling detailed, high-quality story pitch documents to be presented to the client broadcaster.
• Using the internet, social media and scientific journals for fact-finding.
• Calling scientists and other wildlife experts to discover new stories and information.
• Writing up research findings in an easy-to-digest form for Producers to evaluate.
• Helping to log and organise footage using Avid editing software.

This is the ideal opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of blue-chip natural history filmmaking whilst building skills that could help launch a career in the media industry.

What you will learn

• Insight into how the BBC NHU Bristol team operates.
• Storytelling and research techniques specific to the natural history genre.
• Administrative and editorial skills.
• How to work collaboratively in a large team.
• Opportunities to learn how to present and pitch ideas to a client.
• Basic understanding of industry-leading editing software.

What we're looking for

Essential

• Competent to an intermediate or advanced level in Adobe InDesign software.
• An ability to speak confidently on the phone to scientists and other wildlife experts.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in the media; including enthusiasm for factual content and documentaries.
• Team player with the ability to take the initiative.
• Creative and bursting with engaging ideas.
• A demonstrable interest in the natural world.

To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• Upload your CV and cover letter as one document (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be accepted)
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Do not contact the company directly
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk

This opportunity is open to individuals from groups that are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.

The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Creative Access support programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of induction training, monthly masterclasses, wellbeing support, buddying/mentoring, and more.