The highly successful Orkney International Science Festival (OISF) will be going online again this year.

It is looking for an Assistant Director.

The Festival say that while the Covid situation is easing, there are still too many unknowns to plan for, and the virtual format will continue. In addition there will be a scheduled programme of daily wildlife walks, plus video guidance for own-time geological walks.

The programme will be announced next month, with the continuing Year of Coasts and Waters providing a range of marine topics, from the physics of sailing ships to plans to row the North West Passage.

Other topics will include the latest developments in gravitational waves, the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, and fresh interest in a radical theory of evolution developed a century ago.

Assistant Director

This is a short-term post to the end of September, with the potential for the role to continue and develop into 2022 and beyond.

Requirements include a good science background, and wide-ranging interests, particularly in communication: speaking, writing, presenting, and using social media.

The Festival’s online format this year means that the successful candidate could work from anywhere in Scotland with good internet access.

The new post is for a limited number of hours, which might make it possible for someone to fit in with existing work, as part of their career development.

The closing date for applications is 24 May, and fuller details can be found on the Festival’s website at www.oisf.org/portfolio-items/festival-seeks-assistant-director/

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