Internship, Science Communication, Nature Live

Are you ready to put theory into practice?

The Natural History Museum is a world-class scientific institution and one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. It is a diverse and exciting place to work, that needs bright, creative and talented people.

Internship Opportunities in Science Communication

Nature Live brings together scientists and visitors to explore, discover and discuss the natural world and our place within it through a range of event formats facilitated by professional science communicators. An exciting opportunity has arisen to volunteer in the Science Communication team at the Natural History Museum.

Nature Live aims to provide opportunities for engagement and dialogue between scientists and visitors; promote the cultural and scientific importance and relevance of the scientific work the museum and our partners are undertaking and develop the skills of our science staff in communicating and engaging with museum visitors about their work.

The Nature Live team leads the content development as well as delivery of a wide range of innovative science communication events including the enormously successful Science Uncovered event that last year involved over 10000 participants and over 480 scientists.

Through our work we build and maintain strong working relations with teams across the Museum, particularly the 300 science staff.

Find out more at: www.nhm.ac.uk/naturelive

The role
We are ideally seeking two volunteers for a full-time internship within the Nature Live team. You will work closely with our professional science communicators one of whom will be your mentor mentor and ensure you are supported throughout your time with us.

We are focussed on shaping high quality face-to-face science communication interventions that will engage and inspire the public as part of Science Uncovered, a large scale science communication event.

We are currently developing:

A new activity for adults involving Early Years Researchers (EYRs) such as PhD students and post docs that intends to provoke discussion and debate on issues of significant public interest in science that will be rolled out during this year’s Science Uncovered on Friday 26 September.

Our work continually involves staff from other museum departments. This will provide you with additional opportunities to work with people from our science and public engagement groups.

Your work with us may include:

Working with scientists to identify themes to stimulate discussion and debate
Contributing to more detailed content research and development of specific support materials
Contributing your ideas and recent experience in internal staff discussion on other areas of science communication
Supporting the co-ordination of new activities for Science Uncovered

Note: Some of the information above may change nearer the date due to shifting project schedules; however this provides a rough outline of the kinds of activities you will be involved in and the experience you will enjoy at the Museum.

Availability
We will endeavour to recruit three times annually (normally spanning the summer months) for this internship in Nature Live. This recruitment is for two internships; one that will span August and one that will span September.

To apply for this role you will ideally be available for four weeks, Monday to Friday, 9.30 -17.00 with the chance to join in our evening/weekend activities from either August OR September.
NB: You will be asked during the e-application to clarify your availability

Training
Throughout the internship, you will receive valuable experience in communicating science through Nature Live sessions and large-scale events like Lates and Science Uncovered. You will be integrated into all aspects of office life, and be a vital part of the team.

All necessary role-related training will be provided on-site here at the Museum.

For more information on the Reward and Expenses System in place to support our volunteers please see below.

The deadline to apply for this volunteer opportunity is: midnight 11/7/2014.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Role competences:

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for two enthusiastic volunteers with excellent oral and written communication skills and a passion for the natural world. IT skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office is a must. Applicants must be 18 or over to apply.

This internship may best suit those who are currently studying for a post graduate qualification in Science Communication.

Essential criteria

Experience in planning and delivering science communication events (or understanding of theory of such work)
Good scientific literacy and awareness of science communication issues
Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills
Creativity: a tendency to challenge assumptions and to generate imaginative, innovative and radical ideas
ability to work in a team
strong organisation skills

Desirable Criteria

have completed, or currently studying for, a postgraduate qualification in science communication or other relevant area

Online application process:

Completing the online application

Please answer the following questions to be considered for this role. You will need to enter your answers into the 'competency fields' in your application. Please use one field per answer (or competence) and use no more than 140 words per field. Please do not attach your CV.

Why do you wish to volunteer at the Natural History Museum and what attracted you to this internship specifically?
Please indicate how you meet the role specification and essential / desirable criteria for this volunteer position. It is essential you refer back to the role specification to answer this question and provide examples.
You have stated that you are free ideally 5 days day per week (Monday -Friday) for 1 month from either August OR September). Please specify: Which internship you wish to be considered for: August, September or if you would like to be considered for both.
Your availability within this time frame – i.e when will you be free to begin your role should you be offered this volunteer position?
Please give an example of a science communication event you have attended or participated in and explain in your opinion why this was a success/what could have been done better?
Please give an example of when you have dealt with multiple tasks to ensure details do not get missed?
What, in your opinion, are the considerations of working with science staff on public Science Communication activities and how would you address them?