Science Policy Intern - Research

Overview

The Royal Society of Chemistry has a great opportunity for a Science Policy Intern – Research to work with us at our Science Park Cambridge office (free onsite parking and close to the guided bus and Cambridge North train station). If you are available for 28 – 35 hours per week, over four – five weekdays, for approximately three months, you could start from June 2019 or by September 2019, to accommodate your studies.

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s purpose is ‘to advance excellence in the chemical sciences’. One way we 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.

As our Science Policy Intern for Research, you will help us to do this by researching and evaluating evidence on some of these important issues and drawing conclusions and by helping to look at the ‘hot topics’ we need to plan for in 2020 and beyond.

Our 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 a team working on some of the hottest topics such as the UK’s future scientific relationships and science policy following EU exit, immigration, education, science and infrastructure funding, environment and industrial strategy.

We are looking for:

Essential: 

• A first degree in science or a relevant subject (or at least two years working towards one) with a good academic record (e.g. either a 2:1 or above, or expected to achieve this).
• Good knowledge of chemistry, with at least A-Level / Scottish Higher (or equivalent).
• 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).
• Strong research skills (in particular, the ability to find, understand and evaluate information relevant to solving a given problem, draw and explain conclusions from that).
• Ability to scan information for relevance to a given topic or problem.
• Numeracy (understanding and use of statistical data and good basic maths).
• Interest in Government, Parliament and public policy that affects science.
• Ability to organise and prepare meetings efficiently and to juggle priorities.
• Ability to use the MS Office suite easily to produce documents, analyse data, collaborate with others (including Word, PowerPoint and Excel). 

Desirable: 

• PhD in a relevant subject, or working towards one.
• A first degree in chemistry, or working towards one.
• Experience of or involvement in public policy work.
• Previous work experience relevant to this role, whether in a company, charity, government department or other employer. 

At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we will reward your contribution with an excellent pro rata remuneration and benefits package.

If interested, please apply before the end of our closing date. If selected, interviews will be held on 13/05/19, 14/05/19 or 17/05/19.  Please include your availability in your cover letter.