Science communicator

Science communicators communicate science to the general public. They need to make scientific research understandable to people who may not have a background or career in science. Science communicators can be a science journalists or work in a university press office promoting the scientific research carried out by academics. They may deliver science shows or organise events at science festivals, schools or science centres or design and make interactive exhibits for science centres.

Attributes: creative, curious, logical

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Meta researcher

Meta researchers study research itself. They study research methods, reporting, reproducibility, evaluation, and incentives. They ensure, promote, and defend robust science, free from biases. They ensure all results from scientific investigations are evidence based.

Attributes: curious, patient, resilient

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Artificial intelligence researcher

Artificial intelligence researchers create models and simulations to teach computers how to solve complex problems. They model the problems using mathematics, and develop new methods to solve these problems. They write code to create algorithms and test and analyse these algorithms to see how well they solve the problem.

Attributes: curious, resilient and open-minded

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Photochemist

A Photochemist investigates the chemical effects of light.  Photochemistry is a chemical reaction caused by absorption of ultraviolet, visible light or infrared radiation or a reaction that produces light. Photochemists may be interested in spectroscopy- splitting up light into it’s different colours to find out about the properties of the object being studied. They may be interested in photosynthesis, the way a plant generates energy from light. They may also study animals who use bioluminescence to signal to other animals or to lure prey.

Attributes: observant, curious, communicator

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Electronics Engineering Technician

Electronics engineering technicians design, build and maintain electrical components. They are very hands-on and enjoy trying out different circuit set ups, and are very good at spotting problems and fixing them so that the components work correctly. Electronics engineering technicians enjoy doing practical work, being organised and helping electronic engineers test their designs.

Attributes: logical, creative, observant

Solar Energy Engineer

Solar energy engineers are experts in utilising sunlight to generate electricity. They create solar cells that collect and store the sun’s rays. They work with clients to design, plan and implement solar energy projects for cities, businesses, and homeowners. They manage anything from large-scale municipal projects to home rooftop installations. Solar engineers may need to report on the efficiency, cost and safety of a project. Computer skills are essential for creating designs and testing photo-voltaic systems.

Attributes: committed, imaginative, organised

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Electrical Technician

Electrical technicians are responsible for designing, developing, testing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and equipment. Machinery used around the world such as computers, communication equipment, navigational devices and medical monitoring machines rely on the work of electrical technicians. Work can vary from dealing with circuit breakers and electrical wiring to working in research and development, conducting experiments, testing new designs, and collecting data. Others might specialise in computer programs, such as Computer Aided Design, in quality control or in aerospace testing flight equipment.

Attributes: focus, organised, attention to detail

Systems Engineer

Systems engineers design and create systems to meet specific needs by combining and integrating people, components and processes into a whole system and ensuring each of those components work correctly. Systems are used in industrial processes to increase output, but a toilet, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, an automatic iron, a car and even the human body are all systems. Larger systems include moveable bridges, manufacturing plants or the International Space Station.

Attributes: collaborative, imaginative, resilient

Power Plant Operator

Power plant operators manage and maintain the machinery that generates electricity. This may be produced from hydroelectric energy, solar or wind power, nuclear energy, coal or gas. Power plant operators regulate and distribute the power amongst the generators. They monitor the voltage and electricity flow from the plant to meet fluctuating customer demands throughout the day.

Attributes: observant, self-motivated, collaborative

Broadcast Engineer

Broadcast engineers are responsible for the development, operation, maintenance and repair of the hardware and systems for use in broadcasting television, radio and online. Broadcast engineers can be directly involved in broadcasting programmes or in maintaining the equipment. They can specialise in a particular field such as video encoding or transmission. Broadcast engineers may work on broadcast automation systems in studios, outside broadcasts, post-production operations, webcasts and interactive TV.

Attributes: hard-working, collaborative, organised