British Science Festival 2026 - AV/IT Assistant

Job title: AV/IT Assistant (British Science Festival).

Duration: 16 - 20 September 2026, plus training day on Monday 14 September.

Core Hours: Hours will be assigned between the core hours of 08:00-22:00 and will be confirmed on appointment.

You will be allocated no less than 35 hours over the course of the festival and may be scheduled for up to 48 hours between 14 and 20 September 2026.

Some roles may involve minimal supervision and could require working late evenings or early mornings.

The British Science Festival is Europe's longest standing science festival, travelling to a new location in the United Kingdom each year. We bring an inspiring programme of free events to the public over five days, bursting with exciting opportunities to get involved. Will you be a part of it?

Ever wondered about what it's like working at the Festival? Read our latest blog by Alistair Fildes, who has covered the event for the past three years!

• Support speakers and event organisers with the set up of AV(audio-visual) and IT equipment before events
• Work alongside Event Assistants to support event hosts and audiences during sessions
• Assist with the set up and pack down of venues
• Ensure equipment is handled appropriately and left in good working order
• Support other roles as required, including assisting with audience-facing tasks and covering breaks

• Comfortable using technology, including laptops and presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint)
• Confident in picking up new tech skills via training (e.g. how to operate handheld microphones)
• Confident communicating with a range of people, including speakers, audiences and other festival assistants
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• An ability to stay calm under pressure, show initiative and solve problems under pressure
• Able to work flexibly across different shifts
• Good level of spoken English
• Knowledge of Southampton
• Experience using basic AV equipment (e.g. microphones, projectors)
• Previous experience working or volunteering at events or in a public-facing role
• Student at University of Southampton
• Based in Southampton

The assignment is offered at a salary of £13.45 per hour. You will be allocated at least 35 hours, with the possibility of up to 48 hours between 16-20 September, including 6 hours for training on 14 September. The training day on Monday 14th September 2026 will be paid at the above rate and is compulsory. The BSA will reimburse reasonable travel costs incurred in attending the training day. The BSA will not be covering travel, accommodation, or subsistence costs for the duration of the Festival.

We are a Disability Confident employer. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.