Job Description

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Trainee Researcher
Duration: Shortlisted candidates must be available to attend 1 week bootcamp at start of December 2025 & 8 week placement Jan-Mar '26 (exact dates tbc)
Start Date: Dec 2025 for bootcamp & Jan/Feb 2026 for placement
Hours: 37.5hrs per week
Salary: Real Living Wage (currently 12.60 per hour) - paid during bootcamp and placement
Location: Bootcamp will be in person, Belfast City Centre. Placements will depend on host company but likely to be in person/hybrid.
Programme Summary
RESEARCH READY is a skills development programme for those with a passion for unscripted television and a background in research that provides a pathway into the world of factual TV production (e.g. documentary, factual-entertainment, quiz).
In a world of fake news and misinformation, it is more important than ever to build stories on a strong foundation of verified facts, crafting real and authentic stories with integrity. In factual TV, every story begins with truth.
Solid research underpins every stage of production, from source to screen and from pitch to production. Through a series of paid industry-led masterclasses and industry placements, course participants will develop the skills needed to transform their research into powerful and compelling fact-based television.
Up to 12 applicants will be selected for a one-week paid industry bootcamp (Dec 1-5 2025), with up to 6 progressing to an eight-week paid placement (Jan-Mar 2026).
IF SHORTLISTED, APPLICANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND BOTH
Candidate Profile - Is this You?
Are you a curious, detail-oriented individual with a proven background in conducting rigorous, structured research, whether in academia, professional sectors or investigative fields? This may be within disciplines such as Law, history, politics, journalism, social sciences, archaeology, education, science/STEM or related fields. Do you have experience working with primary sources, data analysis, in-depth interviews or long-form investigative writing?
Are you motivated by real-world stories and do you have a passion for unscripted television, including documentary, factual entertainment and quiz formats? We are looking for candidates who have strong interpersonal skills and understand the importance of accuracy, integrity and editorial judgement in shaping factual content. If you feel your skills align with this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
*List of research area backgrounds is not exhaustive*
Who is eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply if you can answer these four questions and meet selection criteria: * Are you eligible to work in the UK?

• Do you currently reside in Northern Ireland?
• Are you available to participate in the scheme as per dates/timescales outlined
• Are you over 18 and not in full-time education?

FOR FULL DETAILS ON SELECTION CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Skills Required