ITV
Junior Researcher, University Challenge-6 Months Freelance (2 Roles)
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Workplace: Media City, Salford - expectation is at least 3 days in the office.
The team
Lifted Entertainment is home to some of the biggest TV shows in the world. From hit reality shows such as Love Island to talent shows like The Voice UK and long-running quizzes such as University Challenge. There isn’t an unscripted genre we do not produce!
Our people are everything and they are the ones who work with us to create award-winning, fun - and funny - entertainment shows.
The role
In this role you will be supporting the Questions and Casting teams to deliver brilliant questions and contestants relevant to University Challenge.
The responsibilities for the role are:
- Writing an agreed volume of original question material to a high standard of clarity, originality and accuracy, with particular (but not exclusive) focus on producing picture and music rounds. This will include the production of effective ‘mock-up’ question graphics and rough cuts of music clips.
- Presenting work for review in group meetings with senior editorial staff
- Incorporating feedback and edit requests from the Questions Producer/Series Producer/Question Verifiers, promptly and thoroughly.
- Keeping accurate records of third-party material used in own questions, i.e. image and music files, including source and attribution.
- Identifying and noting third-party copyrights entailed in own questions; raising these issues promptly and clearly with the Series Producer and Production Manager; and taking action as guided to secure necessary permissions.
- Supporting the SP in implementing processes relating to contestant welfare and duty of care, including carrying out background checks on applicants.
- Attending contestant auditions with the SP and QP, and providing input into the casting process.
- Liaising with successful teams and contestants in the lead-up to recording, establishing yourself as a point of contact and support, disseminating documentation and gathering necessary information, and dealing with queries and concerns.
- During studio recordings, chaperoning teams through the recording process, including working with the Production Coordinator to manage movement, and providing support to contestants (including delivering gameplay briefings, and sharing responsibility with the SP and PM for making sure any reasonable adjustments or personalisations have been implemented).
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Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)
- Fluent, accurate and clear writing and demonstrable ability to write questions relevant to University Challenge with flair and creativity.
- Good grasp of the programme’s format, style and typical question content (this will be tested during the recruitment process).
- Good general knowledge and enthusiasm for learning new things.
- Demonstrable, thorough and careful research.
- Demonstrable experience of question writing in an amateur context.
- Proven ability to present and discuss work clearly and confidently as well as experience of revising and developing written work in response to feedback from an editor or supervisor.
- Demonstrable self motivation with good organisational skills including experience of recording-keeping in an academic or relevant professional context.
- Experience and understanding of the principles of copyright and an awareness of the legal issues involved in reproducing audiovisual material.
- Appreciation of when welfare and safeguarding issues need to be referred to senior team members which may be evidenced by working in a pastoral or support capacity with students (or similar experience).
- Demonstrable experience in an outward facing role, evidenced by working with the public or in a volunteer capacity with students (or similar experience).
Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)
- Ability to present and discuss work clearly and confidently with attention to detail, and to engage with feedback.
- Ideas-driven with a creative approach to delivering editorial content.
- Organised and deadline-focused approach to managing workload.
- Enthusiasm and resilience, with the ability to maintain performance levels in the face of changing priorities and workload, and challenging situations.
- Proactive in building working relationships and a network of contacts to aid programme research.
- An appreciation of when welfare and safeguarding issues need to be referred to senior team members.
- Familiarity with presentation software (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent).
- Familiarity with basic music and image editing software.
- Familiarity with a TV background check process and how this might be undertaken.
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Please note: On occasion we may receive a very large volume of applications which means applications for a role may close earlier than the referenced closing date. We’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible if interested.
Closing Date: Sunday 26 July 2026
Your work matters to millions.
Shaping culture is in the DNA of ITV. So, it’s not surprising that you’ll find us in every home in the UK, our productions are famous all over the world and we’re at the forefront of the digital streaming revolution.
When you join us, you enter a fun working environment. With opportunities to learn, to grow and make a real difference. Small enough that your impact’s felt in the business, but big enough that your impact reaches millions of people.
Come develop your skills, change TV and the course of your career. Don’t just watch it. Be part of it. Join ITV.
ITV is for everyone.
ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from disabled people. As a Disability Confident Leader, if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee to take you to the next stage* (minimum criteria above).
We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments. Drop us a line if you require anything at talkingcareers@itv.com. Find out more about applying with a disability https://careers.itv.com/blog/joining-itv-with-a-disability.
- There may be a few exceptions where we are not able to take all eligible candidates to the next stage due to the volume of applications.
Because those who make an impact deserve to be rewarded for it.
ITV offers some great rewards and benefits including:
- Flexible working with a range of options to suit everyone
- Generous holiday allowance, plus you can buy more
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Competitive pension contribution
- Save as you earn - with an opportunity to buy ITV shares
- Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life
More about our benefits https://careers.itv.com/life-at-itv/the-benefits
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