Catalyst, in Widnes, is looking to appoint a new part-time Chief Executive. The Trustees of the science museum are keen to build on the extensive and impressive work done by the current CEO. They would welcome applications from as diverse a group of people as possible. The post is open from 1^st April 2022.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially strong, experienced business leader to take on the day-to-day leadership and management of this highly-regarded and successful Science Discovery Centre and Museum. Originally established in 1982 as the Halton Museum of the Chemical Industry in Widnes and moved to its present location in 1986, Catalyst also became as Science Discovery Centre in 1994. It offers a unique way into the chemical sciences by providing an award-winning science education programme supporting Key stage 1 to 4 and by preserving the heritage of the highly successful and commercial chemical industry of North West England. It is an Accredited Museum.

In 2018 Catalyst won grant funding in excess of £1m from the Inspiring Science Fund (ISF) through the Wellcome Trust/UKRI which enabled it to make dramatic changes to many of its public spaces and to its offering in its scientific interactive gallery in the following three years. It is currently working on a proposal to NLHF for a substantial sum of money for a project to upgrade its ‘Birth of an Industry’ gallery. Catalyst sees itself and the external area surrounding it as a major visitor attraction in Halton and is building on this to strengthen its position as a key part of the local visitor economy. Collaboration with other local organizations will be important and interaction with and support of the local community is part of its ethos and strategy.  During the first phases of the pandemic it succeeded, given its Accredited Museum status, in being awarded money from the Arts Council England (COVID) Cultural Recovery Funds (ACE CRF1 and 2). Other grant funding and sponsorship was also awarded. It has also been operating locally a unique and highly respected mental health programme based on science therapy.

The recruitment process is being handled by the Hybrid Search agency, based in Chester. Further details here: Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Ltd