Science Communication Jobs / Vacancies etc

scicomm jobs

[Short course] Science Communication masterclass at UWE (30 April - 3 May 2012) #scicomm

This advert's appeared on various lists I'm on...

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Due to popular demand, the Science Communication Unit at UWE is delighted to announce that our Masterclass in Science Communication will take place again this spring.

 

The Masterclass is an intensive course created to provide professional development in science communication. The Masterclass draws on the existing expertise of the team that delivers UWE's popular and practical MSc in Science Communication.

 

The Masterclass covers a range of topics including: the historical and social contexts of science communication, scientific literacy and public understanding, publics and engagement, face-to-face, media and online methods of engaging with the public. In addition, students are offered a choice of interactive sessions enabling them to concentrate on particular areas of interest.

 

The Masterclass has been designed for those with little or no experience in field of science communication and would be suitable for practising scientists wishing to enhance the public engagement element of their research, science graduates interested in science communication – or those seeking a career change, scientists/ teachers of science seeking continuing professional development and people working in Research Councils with a communication element to their role.

 

How to apply 

This Spring’s Masterclass will be held in Bristol during 30 April – 3 May 2012  and will cost £750 per delegate (£600 concessionary rate for students, unemployed and low earners).

 

If you would like to attend please complete the form on our registration page. Please note that places are limited and tend to book out quickly, so early registration is recommended.

 

Feedback from a previous student:

 

“Thank you for such an amazing time at the science communication course last week. I had such a brilliant time and met a lot of really great people. It was informative and interactive, and honestly for the first time ever I came away from professional development thinking that what I achieved and what you marketed were one and the same - the course certainly did what it said on the tin!”

 

For further information is available from our website or please contact science.communication@uwe.ac.uk  /  jane.wooster@uwe.ac.uk


[CLOSED] BHF Policy & Advocacy internship

Internships are always a bit of a hot potato and generate fierce discussion on psci-com and elsewhere. And rightly so - many will not be able to benefit from this opportunity (not everyone can afford to work without pay) and even those who can are not getting fully recompensed for their work. However charities benefit hugely from the support of volunteers, and interns, so I am always a bit torn on this one (and I also work for a charity too...).

Anyway, I'm after the job descriptions so I tend to post these regardless of the politics, but my concession to the public mood against internships is to post them after the closing date ;)

British Heart Foundation
Policy & Advocacy Intern

Location: London
Salary: Travel & Lunch expenses paid
Hours: Not Specified
Date Posted: 28 November 2011
Closing Date: 08 January 2012
Type: Internship

Want to help make a difference? An exciting internship opportunity has arisen for an undergraduate to work with our award-winning Policy and Advocacy Team in driving forward vital BHF campaigns for better treatment and services for heart patients and helping improve the health of the nation.

The Policy and Advocacy Team campaigns to improve the nation's heart health through a series of vital, evidence based campaigns by lobbying key national and local decision-makers and through mobilising our thousands of campaigners.

We are looking for someone to help take forwards BHF campaigns to get Emergency Life Skills (ELS) taught in all schools and to help tackle junk food marketing to children. You will be required to support the development and implementation of campaigns, and to help take forwards the work we do with BHF campaigners and Parliamentarians. You will also be required to help develop evidence based BHF-policy in key areas.

In return you will experience being a part of a major national charity, and have the opportunity to develop key skills and really make a difference to supporting the vital work of the Policy and Advocacy team. The knowledge and skills you could expect to develop are:

· Understanding of policy development within a major national charity

· Knowledge of current debates in health policy

· Understanding of public affairs and campaigning

· Ability to manage own workload, meet deadlines and manage relationships with colleagues

· Experience of working as part of a dynamic team in a busy office environment

As such you will be hard-working, self-motivated and interested in health public policy and public affairs and campaigning. You will have attention to detail, strong desk research and IT skills and excellent written and oral communication skills. You will be a confident self-starter, able to manage your time effectively. Experience of dealing with external customers is desirable but not necessary.

The Internship is for a 12 week period to allow for the projects to be completed, however there may be the possibility of extension. The internship is unpaid, but expenses including lunch and travel will be paid. Hours/days can and will be negotiated.

Interviews for this internship will take place at our head office based in Camden on Thursday 12th January 2012

To apply for this role please use the apply button below. Our process involves submitting your CV and a covering letter which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role's criteria. Please note we will only accept applications via this method.

[Resource / course] UCL's Science in the mass media, taught by @alicebell #scicomm

Click here to download:
HPSC2002_11-12.pdf (174 KB)
(download)

Alice has featured on these pages before and this is her helpful advice for people who are thinking about working in science communication. 

She's just started teaching at UCL one day a week, on their course in Science in the mass media.

She posted the following blog post outlining the course which included a link to the syllabus (attached) and added in a range of example essay questions that students might find themselves answering.

Science in the mass media (Through the Looking Glass blog)

One of the questions intrigued me in particular because it references the science communication activities of medical charities which, as anyone reading this blog might have worked out, is a bit of an enthusiasm of mine. This is why the large list of vacancies pages of organisations (largely in London) which might employ science communicators features medical research charities somewhat prominently.

5. To what extent can an NGO do effective science communication? Is the case different for environmental campaigning groups compared to medical charities?

I've created a LinkedIn group specifically for people who work in medical charities (this includes medical research charities and patient groups) or for anyone who might be thinking about working in that field. The group's open to anyone so we have people who are scientists working on projects funded by medical research charities and other people who are just interested - it's free, you just need to sign up to LinkedIn.

The group is currently discussing a session some of us will be running at the annual science communication conference on the impact of research.

Here's what I wrote in the Group's "rules" bit, basically setting out my stall of what the group is about.

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Medical research charities and patient groups employ several different types of science communicators (although they might not necessarily use that term in the job title). 

Depending on the size and needs of the charity, science communicators will do any or all of the following (and I'm sure I've forgotten stuff!): 
• write and edit content for websites and magazines (for members of the public as well as professional audiences) 
• work in press teams 
• manage research portfolios and give talks about the work that is funded 
• provide a science enquiry service to people affected by a condition or to healthcare professionals 
• develop policies on animal or stem cell research (or other controversial issues) 
• respond to external consultations 
• fact-check statistics and provide evidence-based information to colleagues and critically appraise literature etc. 

Send jobs info to @JoBrodie not @scicommjobs (cos I don't log in as that one very often), ta.

[Freelance blogging] with @proteintech, £?, clos? #scicomm jobs

Not heard of this lot before but now that I am using the Hootsuite app on my iPhone I can, once again, see panels for searched-for keywords with ease - and this cropped up on #scicomm

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Proteintech
Freelance sciencey blogpost writer person
http://proteintech.wordpress.com/proteintech-blog-competition/ 

"Keeping the Proteintech blog up to date with interesting news is a tall order, so we need your help!  We are looking for scientific writers to work on a freelance basis for our UK Marketing office.

Ideally with a background in life science research, we want to hear from people who can write interesting articles for our blog; covering science news from around the globe, as well as more in depth articles on the research scientists are working on using our products.

To give you an idea about what we write about, please have a look at some of the articles that have been written in the past by our resident blogger, @DebGrainger:

http://proteintech.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/als-research-from-sod1-to-chromosome-9/

http://proteintech.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/my-top-10-picks-for-neuroscience-2011/

http://proteintech.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/a-brief-history-of-the-antibody-part-i/

To apply, please send your CV including samples of your writing to Libby Witherden. (Email address: europe@ptglab.com) If you have any questions, please use the email address provided or leave a comment at the bottom of the page and we will get back to you."


[Resource] Project Science Communication jobs: List of vacancies pages of organisations that employ science communicators

Probably most people reading this blog, either by Twitter (@ScicommJobs) or via email alerts to the blog or by some other method (see the list of options in the links at the top of the page), will have heard me mention the 'great big list' of vacancies pages that I've been updating since 2003 (and published on my blog in 2009). 

Here's the list.

It's every bit as chaotic as you might imagine with omissions and errors (I've just been through all the links and found about 30 that were broken - but there should be enough information that you'll be able to find the right page yourself (or it doesn't exist anymore)). It's one of my major sources for science communication types of job, organised by different sectors.

If you're looking at it, and you work in science communication but your organisation isn't listed please let me know at jo.brodie AT gmail.com or @JoBrodie, ta.

The majority are in London because when I started the collection I was looking to find jobs in scicomm in London myself so this list started life for my benefit. Since then I've added a few organisations from elsewhere but if you know of a city / country specific equivalent then I'd be delighted to link to it.

The entire purpose of this 'project' is to put people in the position I wish I'd been able to find myself in when I started investigating the world beyond the lab, by short-circuiting the time and effort it takes to get a feel for what's out there and what 'science communication' covers. 

Next year's project is to try and get more organisations to add a dedicated jobs page to their website (maybe there's a good reason I've not thought of which explains why so many orgs still don't have this but I can't think what it is). I'm also going to try and persuade them to add RSS feeds to their job vacancies pages so that people can sign up to receive info about organisations they're particularly interested in working for, and also more selfishly so that jobs info comes to me more directly.

This week's project is to post all the jobs that have been posted recently to psci-com and elsewhere and clear the backlog.

Merry Christmas and good luck if you are looking for a job :)
Jo

[Closing soon] Linnean Society, Communications Mgr, £22-25k, clos 30 Dec 2011 #scicomm-ish jobs

Click here to download:
Linnean Communications Manager Job Des.pdf (138 KB)
(download)

Such a rarity to find anything at the Linnean Society's job pages. Good luck to whoever applies and I hope you get to work in one of the prettiest buildings in London.

Linnean Society

Communications Manager

http://linnean.org/index.php?id=164

BACKGROUND

The Linnean Society of London is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, dynamic and innovative individual to implement and develop its Communications Strategy in accordance with the Society’s mission – “the cultivation of the Science of Natural History in all its branches”.  The role holder will be the key point of contact for all communications enquiries from a variety of stakeholders including the Society’s membership, other organisations, the general public and the press and media. Primary functions of the role will be the maintenance and development of the content of the Society’s website, the preparation and distribution of press releases and media packs, and the administration of the Society's programme of events.

This role requires an individual with a keen interest in and knowledge of the life sciences. Knowledge of a wide range of communications tools, including e-communications is essential.


Job Description and Person Specification


APPLICATION

Application is by CV with a covering letter to
Dr Elizabeth Rollinson, The Executive Secretary: Elizabeth(at)linnean.org
Closing date for applications is Friday 30th December 2011, with interviews held on Monday 9th January 2012.

[Job] Kew Gardens, Community Outreach Mgr, £26k, clos 3 Jan 2012

Click here to download:
Kew JP_CommunityOutreachManager.doc (169 KB)
(download)

This is definitely more 'public engagement' than 'science communication' but I think there's sufficient overlap for the readers of this blog for this to be a valid posting here (hope you don't disagree!). Also you get to hang out at Kew Gardens which is always a cheering thought. 

RBG Kew (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew aka Kew Gardens)

Community Outreach Manager    

http://www.kew.org/about-kew/jobs/ref_Dec2011_CommunityOutreachManager.htm

REF:  5541
FUNDING SOURCE: Capital funded (previously advertised on CS Vacs) 
HOURS OF WORK:  41 hours gross (36 hours net)
JOB STATUS:  2 year fixed term appointment / loan opportunity 
SALARY PER ANNUM:  Band D – HEO (salary from £26,067)
DEPARTMENT AND LOCATION: Education Development, Public Engagement & Learning (PEL) Directorate

JOB DETAILS:

Joining our Educational Development team, this is an exciting opportunity to participate in the facilitation and development of a Learning and Participation Activity Plan for RBG Kew’s Temperate House Restoration Project (THRP). 

The project has received initial Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) support and in 2012 a stage two submission is required that will detail a five year activity plan to  show how £2mn of activity will effectively re-energise and refocus community outreach and engagement across RBG Kew.  The plan will comprehensively show how the THRP will incorporate programmes, event and strategies to engage audiences including schools, community, and hard to reach groups.  It will also include detailed interpretive plans for the Temperate House area and propose plans for an extension of the volunteering programme at Kew

Working independently and as part of the key delivery team, this post will undertake a programme of complex research and consultation across key internal and external groups to develop individual strategy, costing, operational and procedural reports that will form key sections of the final Learning and Participation Activity Plan submission.

Educated to degree level in a relevant subject area, the post holder will have substantial experience working in community engagement and development focussed roles.  The post holder will also have experience of managing small to medium sized projects and offer strong experience in researching, preparing and presenting complex reports in a commercial context.

Leading consultation across internal stakeholder groups, external consultancies and community groups, the post holder will also require excellent oral and written communication skills and proven ability of proactively building and maintaining strong reciprocal networks and relationships.

For full details of the job purpose, accountabilities and essential education, skills and experience for this role please view the job description document.

Benefits include 30 days holiday per year, a choice of defined benefit or stakeholder pension, a flexible benefits scheme as well as a great working environment.  The post is funded independently of the HLF grant awarded.

Closing Date: Tuesday 3 January 2012, 5pm

Interview Date: TBC


How To Apply

1. Download and read the information below

Job Description, Person Specification and Additional Information (Word)

2. Complete an application form:

·         Application Form (Word)

·         Application Form (Adobe)

3. Return your application ideally by email to jobs@kew.org or by post to: HR Recruitment, 47 Kew Green, Kew, Surrey. TW9 3AB

PLEASE NOTE: 
We will only contact those candidates selected for interview. Therefore if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, you should presume that you will not be called for interview.


If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call the recruitment team on 020 8332 5150 (24hr) or 020 8332 3135 (office hours).

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

[Job] At-Bristol, Live Science team member p/t, £7ph, clos 12 Jan 2012 #scicomm jobs

Click here to download:
LST JD - Dec 11.doc (34 KB)
(download)

At-Bristol

Live Science Team Member (Ref: LST)

http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/jobs.html

£7.00 per hour

Part-time, working 3 days in 7 (working an average of 3 weekends out of 4).

Temporary for approximately 7 months starting in February 2012, with the potential of a permanent position 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our energetic team of science communicators and facilitators.  You will bring our galleries and open spaces to life by delivering a range of programmes such as Planetarium shows, science shows, busking, story-telling, and hands-on activities, to promote and enhance the visitor experience, as well as assisting visitor interaction within At-Bristol's exhibition spaces.  

You may be required, at times to deliver activities at ‘outreach’ events both in the local area and across the country. 

A confident and enthusiastic personality, you will be flexible and have excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with all our visitors. 

Previous experience in the leisure or educational environment is desirable and a strong interest in science and nature is essential.

Closing date: 12th January 2012
Interview date: 19th/20th January 2012

Full job description

Application form

If you want to be part of our team, please apply by completing an application form and sending it together with a CV and covering letter outlining why you think you are suitable for the position to Sandrine Arnold, HR Assistant (recruitment@at-bristol.org.uk)

Alternatively, you can post to Recruitment, At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB.

No agencies please

[Job] LSHTM, Communications Officer, £30.9-35.5k, clos 2 Jan 2012 #scicomm-ish jobs

Click here to download:
LSHTM Further Particulars 2.doc (536 KB)
(download)

I'm gradually noticing that more science communication jobs seem to have something like this in them, as this one does "Experience of using social media, including Facebook or Twitter, for an organisation" - vaguely interesting.


LSHTM (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)

Communications Officer
https://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=ER-08

Director’s Office

Salary:   £30,915 to £35,511 per annum, inclusive
Closing Date:   Monday 02 January 2012
Interview Date:   Thursday 19 January 2012 
Reference:  ER-08

 A Communications Officer is required in the Press Office at this postgraduate institution to support the School's Media Manager, within the recently established Department of External Relations. The post holder will assist in a variety of activities which are central to this internationally renowned institution. Applicants must have excellent organisational and communication skills, along with knowledge of Windows applications, electronic mail and the internet.

The salary will be in the range of £30,915 - £35,511 per annum, inclusive.  Benefits include 30 days holiday allowance, pension scheme, interest free season ticket loan, and access to social facilities.

Applications should be made on-line and the reference for this post is ER–08.  Applications should also include a CV and the names and email contacts of 2 referees who can be contacted immediately if shortlisted. 

Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk.    Closing date for the receipt of applications is Monday 2 January 2012.  

Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk.  Please quote reference ER-08. 

Further details:     Job Description

Applications should be made through this website. ß there’s a button online.

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

[Job] BPAS, Press & Policy Officer, £23.9-28.2k, clos 13 Jan 2012 scicomm-ish

Click here to download:
BPAS press_and_policy_officer__ceo005.pdf (382 KB)
(download)

Possibly the most detailed job advert I've ever seen, although I did have to Google to see exactly what BPAS, or 'bpas' as they inexplicably prefer, actually stood for. I am clinging on to the appropriately capitalised initialisms of my youth...

BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service)

Press & Policy Officer

http://www.bpas.org/bpasjobs.php?page=0&job=202

£23,917- £28,214 per annum  
£12.78 - £15.07 per hour 

36 hours per week 
Monday             09:00 to 17:00
Tuesday            09:00 to 17:00
Wednesday       09:00 to 17:00
Thursday           09:00 to 17:00
Friday               09:00 to 15:30

(to include half an hour unpaid break each day) 

Working with the printed and broadcast media, you will assist with the implementation of an external affairs strategy - helping to enforce bpas' profile as the leading provider of fertility control services and the main reference point for comment on issues relating to crisis pregnancy.

All applicants must be pro-choice.  

Please note that CVs are not accepted and an application form and further details of this role, including terms and conditions, can be downloaded below.

Alternatively please contact 01789 265026 or email recruitment@bpas.org  

Closing date for applications is Friday 13 January 2012 and completed applications should be returned to: 

bpas – Head Office 
Human Resources
20 Timothy’s Bridge Road 
Stratford Enterprise Park 
Stratford-upon-Avon 
CV37 9BF

Please ensure that you use a ‘large letter’ stamp if returning your application form in an A4 envelope

bpas is an equal opportunities employer

NO AGENCIES PLEASE