Science Policy Intern

Location: City Cambridge or London
Salary: £23,034 - £25,597 (FTE) per annum plus benefits
Position Type: Intern (Full-Time or Part-Time)
Closing Date: 14/04/2024
Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Science Policy Intern to work with them on a part-time or full-time (28-35 hours per week) fixed-term contract (6 months) basis to start from June 2024.
The purpose is ‘to help the chemical sciences community make the world a better place’. One way they do this is by using evidence to persuade decision-makers (like members of Parliament and the Government) on issues that affect the chemical sciences – or where science plays an important part.
You will help them to do this by analysing a range of data, drawing conclusions from it and writing this up in a clear way, to help convince decision-makers of the need for action. You will also be involved in supporting events and round tables that involve members of their community and government policymakers, by organising these and helping to write the recommendations. Through round tables, consulting members and desk research, you will gather evidence for developing policy positions. You will also provide some administrative support to the team.
Their Science Policy activities cover issues that affect chemistry research and innovation and issues where the chemical sciences play an important role in informing decisions. You will be part of the Policy and Evidence Team, which works on some of the hottest topics such as the UK’s future scientific relationships and Science Policy, chemicals policy, environment, science and infrastructure funding, climate change and industrial strategy.
At their organisation they embrace flexibility and offer hybrid working, which means their teams come together when they need to collaborate.
Although this role is contractually based at their Cambridge or London office, you will be able to work from home within the UK, with the expectation that you will attend the office as needed for your role. In this role it is expected that you will attend the office one days per week. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application.
What they are looking for:
• A degree in a relevant subject (chemistry, other science, economics, politics, or other social science) with a basic knowledge of chemistry (at least GCSE chemistry or equivalent and ideally A-Level/Scottish Higher or equivalent).
• Strong research skills, especially the ability to find, understand and evaluate information relevant to solving a given problem, drawing and explaining conclusions from that, with the ability to scan information for relevance to a given topic or problem.
• Strong oral and written communication skills – in particular, the ability to summarise key points from a discussion clearly in writing in a timely manner, to make clear requests of others and negotiate politely where necessary.
• Interest in Government, Parliament and public policy that affects science.
• Able to use the MS Office suite easily to produce documents, analyse data, collaborate with others (including Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
If you are interested in this role, please apply before the end of the closing date. When applying, you will need to provide an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (no more than 500 words) indicating how your skills/ expertise match the competencies outlined in the Job Description.
Visit their website to learn more about them, their benefits, equal opportunities statement and inclusive culture pledge.
They recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. They particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates.
As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, they endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
They are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this, they are flexible in the ways they give and receive information. If you would like to apply using a different format, please contact the Recruitment Team and they will do their best to put any reasonable adjustments in place.
You may have experience in the following: Policy Analysis Intern, Research and Policy Intern, Government Affairs Intern, Public Policy Analyst Intern, Policy Research Assistant, Science Advocacy Intern, Policy Development Intern, Legislative Affairs Intern, Research Intern in Science Policy, Science and Policy Engagement Intern, etc.
REF-212 736