Trainee Information Scientist

• Are you a computing, engineering, physics or maths graduate who enjoys working with complex information and applying analytical thinking with precision?
• Do you thrive in detail-focused roles where accuracy, consistency and structured problem-solving really matter?
• Could you be our next Trainee Information Scientist, helping to curate and enhance Inspec - one of the world’s leading scientific and technical databases at the IET?

Up to £28,075

12 Month Fixed Term Contract / Full Time

Stevenage with Hybrid Working

At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better place for our people.

At the IET you’ll have more than just a job. Our work is exciting and challenging, connecting the people who solve the problems that matter. It means working with us has real meaning and impact, and you’ll grow – professionally and personally – in ways you never thought possible.

We’re also making significant investments in our people, including providing a modern, vibrant workplace and embracing hybrid working.

What you'll be doing

As a Trainee Information Scientist, you’ll play a key role in maintaining the quality, accuracy and relevance of Inspec, the IET’s world-leading scientific and technical database. This is a fantastic opportunity for a graduate in computing, engineering, physics, mathematics or a similar related technical discipline (or someone with similar professional experience) to apply their subject knowledge in a practical, structured and meaningful way through supporting researchers, engineers, and institutions around the world.

Working within the Inspec Information & Data Science Team, you’ll review, select, and index scientific and engineering literature in line with established standards. This is a detail-focused role where analytical thinking, accuracy, and consistency really matter. You’ll balance independent work with close collaboration, learning from experienced Information Scientists while contributing to shared quality and production targets.

As your confidence and expertise grow, you’ll take on greater responsibility; supporting quality assurance activity, providing feedback on indexed content, contributing to improvements in systems and workflows, and getting involved in wider projects that enhance Inspec’s products and services. You’ll be supported through structured training and development, helping you build a strong foundation in information science, data curation, and technical content management.

What we hope you can bring to the role

We’re looking for someone educated to degree level in computing, engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related scientific or technical discipline, who enjoys working with complex information and has a strong eye for detail (we can also consider those with similar professional experience to this role). Whilst prior experience in information science isn’t essential, what matters most is your analytical mindset, accuracy, and enthusiasm for learning.

Within this role. you’ll need to be comfortable working to deadlines, managing multiple tasks, and using digital tools and databases to organise and analyse information. Strong written and spoken communication skills are important, as you’ll be working with technical material and providing clear, structured feedback to colleagues and partners.

We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who can clearly explain their transferable skills — for example, how skills developed through academic study, research projects, problem-solving, or data analysis, would translate into structured indexing, quality checking, and information management. As part of your application, please include a cover letter outlining your transferable skills and why you feel this role is a good fit for you (this is an essential pre-requisite to be considered).

If you’re curious, methodical, and motivated by contributing to high-quality technical information that supports global research and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

A Little More About The Role

• Review, select, and index scientific and engineering literature for inclusion in the Inspec Database, following established policies and standards
• Apply subject knowledge and sound judgement to ensure accurate and consistent classification of content
• Maintain clear and accurate records of indexing activity and quality checks for reporting and audit purposes
• Participate in training, peer review, and knowledge-sharing sessions to build subject expertise and technical skills
• Review and quality-check work completed by offshore indexing teams, providing clear and constructive feedback
• Respond to queries and support effective communication between internal teams and external partners
• Support improvements to indexing standards, controlled vocabularies, tools, and workflows
• Contribute to projects that enhance Inspec’s data quality, coverage, and product development

A Little More About What We’re Looking For

• A degree in computing, engineering, physics, mathematics, or similar related scientific or technical discipline, or equivalent knowledge gained through research or professional experience
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when analysing and working with complex technical information
• The ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work effectively in a production-focused environment
• Confidence using databases and digital tools, with strong Excel skills
• A proactive, curious approach to learning and continuous improvement
• An interest in information organisation, technical communication, and data quality
• Willingness to learn new systems, tools and subject areas through structured on-the-job training

We’d love to get to know you

Is Imposter syndrome creeping in? Don’t worry – we’d rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all!