Researcher

Emmerdale

12 Month FTC, Full Time

Leeds

ITV is an accredited Living Wage employer and will pay no less than the Living wage for any role.

For more information please email TalkingCareers@itv.com

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.

Your impact sends ripples.

The team

Join the collaborative engine that drives Emmerdale! Work alongside talented writers and producers, providing crucial research that fuels compelling storylines. From legal checks to brainstorming plot twists, you'll be a key player in bringing the drama to life.

The role

This role demands a meticulous and resourceful researcher with a passion for storytelling. You'll need to be adept at fact-checking, compliance and legal issues, and communicating your findings clearly and concisely.  If you have a keen eye for detail and thrive in a collaborative environment, this could be the perfect opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most beloved continuing dramas.

Role Responsibilities

• Requires dealing with writers, editorial staff, the Production team and outside contacts.
• Responsibility for monitoring all research requirements and proactively seeking alternative ways to run a story.
• Briefing story team on factual accuracy as appropriate to storylines and issuing research documents
• Completing all checks and providing briefing notes (prior to buff and pink stage scripts) for Producers, Directors and Script Editors
• General research – factual accuracy, compliance, legal and copyright issues
• Proactively provide research based story alternatives to allow proposed storylines to develop.
• Attending Commissioning and Story Conferences. Immediately addressing any research queries to facilitate constructive story discussion, as and when appropriate.
• Research on behalf of production teams - sourcing and clearing footage and music. Dealing with any compliance/neg checking issues.
• Creating and maintaining a research database and records.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)...

• Experience as a Researcher (Minimum 12 months).
• Experience working on a Continuing Drama or TV Drama and an understanding of Scripted TV Production processes. 
• Experience researching medical conditions, legal procedures, or social issues relevant to contemporary storylines.
• Demonstrable passion for storytelling e.g involvement in theatre, literature, short films, proof reading scripts.
• Excellent written and verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in research databases and Google Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to meticulously fact-check information and ensure accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible approach to work and prepared to work irregular hours (if production requires).
• Familiarity with UK broadcasting regulations (Ofcom), copyright law, and ethical considerations in storytelling.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)...

• Clear and concise communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for Continuing Drama.
• Industry knowledge and research skills.
• Ability to prioritise, managing own workload and using own initiative. 
• Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability-  able to adapt to changes in working day.
• Time management and organisation. 
• Attention to detail. 
• Creativity.

ITV is for everyone.

ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent 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.

* 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 

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 3rd Oct

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.