Volunteer Hub
Horrible Science Exhibition Volunteer
Organisation Details
Science and Industry Museum
Sub theme: Culture, Heritage, Science and Technology
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Description of role: EXHIBITION VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Location: Science and Industry Museum
Hours: 3 per week (1 volunteer shift per week)
Start Date: February 2026
End Date: January 2027
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION AND ROLE:
Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new Horrible Science TV series.
Walk in the shoes of astronauts and discover far-off worlds, dance on the alien’s Disco planet and get ready to journey through the depths of space to uncover the secrets of our universe.
Get ready for surprising science, interactive experiments and playful challenges, but beware of Dr Big Brain, the galaxy's greatest evil genius, who will be on the hunt for help with his diabolical plans to conquer the Solar System. Will you use your new science skills to make sense of the solar system, or cause cosmic chaos by joining forces with a supervillain?
Chaotic Cosmos will run for one year from the 14th Feb 2026 – 4th Jan 2027. We will have a variety of volunteer shifts available including weekends. We are flexible, and we would love if volunteers could commit at least half a day per week on a regular basis. This would be weekly or every other week commitment for the exhibition.
Volunteers will gain experience and knowledge of volunteering within an Exhibitions Engagement Volunteer Team as well as developing skills related to facilitating and engaging with museum audiences. They will also get a unique opportunity to volunteer in a busy museum environment and gain an understanding of the Exhibitions program in a national museum.
In this role you’ll be:
•Supporting the visitors to ensure they have the best possible experience.
•Delivering object handling sessions with a small collection of curated objects around the gallery.
•Engaging with the exhibition by being knowledgeable about the content and sharing this with visitors.
•Taking care of your personal health and safety and that of others. As a volunteer you’ll learn about our Health and Safety
Policies, procedures, and risk assessments, allowing you to take care of your own personal safety and that of others.
If you need help with your application or would like to talk to us about what we can do to support you through this process, please email Jess Wight at Volunteering@scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk call (0)1616967819
What you’ll get from volunteering:
We want to ensure you have a rewarding experience with us. That’s why you’ll:
•Full training and development opportunities from our bespoke SMG Academy, related departments and induction training schedule.
•Discounts in our café and shop along with free entry into our exhibitions and events across SMG.
•We provide a reference upon request for all volunteers who have supported the Science and Industry Museum.
What you’ll bring to the role:
This role is perfect for people who: (interested and happy to talk to people keep it basic)
•Have a passion for interacting and engaging with the public
•Be friendly and happy to approach visitors
•Have an interest in the museum, exhibitions, and learning in a museum environment
•Enjoy learning new information and sharing this with others
•Be reliable, and have the desire to deliver great customer service We ask all volunteers to show inclusive behaviours, value everyone’s contribution, and promote a culture of openness.
Key dates- Horrible Science is set to open on the 14th of February 2026
✓ Induction – Saturday 24th January (Mandatory for new volunteers)
✓ SMG Academy Training- 29th January (Mandatory for new volunteers)
✓Object handling safety training- 5th February (Additional)
✓Pre-opening familiarisation tour - TBC Week of the 9th February
Additional Information:
•If successful we’ll request a basic criminal record check. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs. Any issues raised in the check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• To volunteer in this role, you must be {18} or over.
•We are legally required to ensure all volunteers from overseas have the right to volunteer in the UK, so please check your visa before applying.
•SMG is unable to act as a sponsor organisation if you do not have a visa that allows you to volunteer.
•If you need help with your application or would like to talk to us about what we can do to support you through this process, please email Jess Wight at Volunteering@ScienceAndIndustryMuseum.org.uk or call (0)1616967819 .
•Visit https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/about-us/support/volunteering for more information.
How to apply
We believe in a culture that recognises and values different experiences, mindsets, and expertise and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You can apply for this position via our {careers site}. Please answer the following question(s) in the Supporting Statement section of the application form.
We kindly ask you do not use AI generated answer for your supporting statement we want to hear your own words! https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/about-us/support/volunteering
https://ce0111li.webitrent.com/ce0111li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf.open?WVID=4862949WXp&LANG=USA&VACANCY_ID=677022EuoH
1.Why do you want to volunteer at the Science and Industry Museum
2.Do you have any interests or experiences that would help you volunteer in the Horrible Science Exhibition?
We believe in a culture that recognises and values different experiences, mindsets, and expertise and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You can apply for this position via our {careers site}. Please tell us why you’d like to volunteer with us in the Supporting Statement section of the application form.
If you have any questions about the role, please call Jess Wight on (0)1616967819 or email Volunteering@ScienceAndIndustryMuseum.org.uk
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Location: Science and Industry Museum
Hours: 3 per week (1 volunteer shift per week)
Start Date: February 2026
End Date: January 2027
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION AND ROLE:
Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new Horrible Science TV series.
Walk in the shoes of astronauts and discover far-off worlds, dance on the alien’s Disco planet and get ready to journey through the depths of space to uncover the secrets of our universe.
Get ready for surprising science, interactive experiments and playful challenges, but beware of Dr Big Brain, the galaxy's greatest evil genius, who will be on the hunt for help with his diabolical plans to conquer the Solar System. Will you use your new science skills to make sense of the solar system, or cause cosmic chaos by joining forces with a supervillain?
Chaotic Cosmos will run for one year from the 14th Feb 2026 – 4th Jan 2027. We will have a variety of volunteer shifts available including weekends. We are flexible, and we would love if volunteers could commit at least half a day per week on a regular basis. This would be weekly or every other week commitment for the exhibition.
Volunteers will gain experience and knowledge of volunteering within an Exhibitions Engagement Volunteer Team as well as developing skills related to facilitating and engaging with museum audiences. They will also get a unique opportunity to volunteer in a busy museum environment and gain an understanding of the Exhibitions program in a national museum.
In this role you’ll be:
•Supporting the visitors to ensure they have the best possible experience.
•Delivering object handling sessions with a small collection of curated objects around the gallery.
•Engaging with the exhibition by being knowledgeable about the content and sharing this with visitors.
•Taking care of your personal health and safety and that of others. As a volunteer you’ll learn about our Health and Safety
Policies, procedures, and risk assessments, allowing you to take care of your own personal safety and that of others.
If you need help with your application or would like to talk to us about what we can do to support you through this process, please email Jess Wight at Volunteering@scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk call (0)1616967819
What you’ll get from volunteering:
We want to ensure you have a rewarding experience with us. That’s why you’ll:
•Full training and development opportunities from our bespoke SMG Academy, related departments and induction training schedule.
•Discounts in our café and shop along with free entry into our exhibitions and events across SMG.
•We provide a reference upon request for all volunteers who have supported the Science and Industry Museum.
What you’ll bring to the role:
This role is perfect for people who: (interested and happy to talk to people keep it basic)
•Have a passion for interacting and engaging with the public
•Be friendly and happy to approach visitors
•Have an interest in the museum, exhibitions, and learning in a museum environment
•Enjoy learning new information and sharing this with others
•Be reliable, and have the desire to deliver great customer service We ask all volunteers to show inclusive behaviours, value everyone’s contribution, and promote a culture of openness.
Key dates- Horrible Science is set to open on the 14th of February 2026
✓ Induction – Saturday 24th January (Mandatory for new volunteers)
✓ SMG Academy Training- 29th January (Mandatory for new volunteers)
✓Object handling safety training- 5th February (Additional)
✓Pre-opening familiarisation tour - TBC Week of the 9th February
Additional Information:
•If successful we’ll request a basic criminal record check. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs. Any issues raised in the check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• To volunteer in this role, you must be {18} or over.
•We are legally required to ensure all volunteers from overseas have the right to volunteer in the UK, so please check your visa before applying.
•SMG is unable to act as a sponsor organisation if you do not have a visa that allows you to volunteer.
•If you need help with your application or would like to talk to us about what we can do to support you through this process, please email Jess Wight at Volunteering@ScienceAndIndustryMuseum.org.uk or call (0)1616967819 .
•Visit https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/about-us/support/volunteering for more information.
How to apply
We believe in a culture that recognises and values different experiences, mindsets, and expertise and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You can apply for this position via our {careers site}. Please answer the following question(s) in the Supporting Statement section of the application form.
We kindly ask you do not use AI generated answer for your supporting statement we want to hear your own words! https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/about-us/support/volunteering
https://ce0111li.webitrent.com/ce0111li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf.open?WVID=4862949WXp&LANG=USA&VACANCY_ID=677022EuoH
1.Why do you want to volunteer at the Science and Industry Museum
2.Do you have any interests or experiences that would help you volunteer in the Horrible Science Exhibition?
We believe in a culture that recognises and values different experiences, mindsets, and expertise and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You can apply for this position via our {careers site}. Please tell us why you’d like to volunteer with us in the Supporting Statement section of the application form.
If you have any questions about the role, please call Jess Wight on (0)1616967819 or email Volunteering@ScienceAndIndustryMuseum.org.uk
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, Oral Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon, Saturday Morning, Saturday Afternoon, Sunday Morning, Sunday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 3 per week
Location:
Liverpool Road, Castlefield
Manchester
M3 4FP