Download Volunteering Role: Science Festival Summer Intern

Science Summer Intern
Role Description
Volunteering Role:
Science Festival Summer Intern
Directorate:
Science
Department:
Office of the Science Directorate (OSD)
Volunteer Supervisors:
Science Administrator (Education), plus a member of OSD staff on
a daily basis
Location:
Kew Gardens (London)
Kew is a global resource for plant and fungal knowledge. As a voluntary Science Intern you will
join a vibrant team of scientific support staff and volunteers, contributing to the achievement of
one or more of Kew’s three strategic science priorities:
1. To document and conduct research into global plant and fungal diversity, and its uses for
humanity
2. To curate and provide data-rich evidence from Kew’s unrivalled collections as a global
asset for scientific research
3. To disseminate our scientific knowledge of plants and fungi, maximising its impact in
science, education, conservation policy and management
These priorities enable us to curate, enhance, use, explore and share Kew’s global resources –
providing robust data and a strong evidence base for our UK and international stakeholders.
Internship overview
This summer internship lasts for 6–8 weeks (between June and August 2017), and will provide
valuable training and professional work experience for an undergraduate or recent graduate.
The successful candidate will work alongside Kew’s leading experts and have access to our worldrenowned collections of plants and fungi, library and facilities.
You will support the work and contribute to the outputs of the Science Education and
Communications team in the Office of the Science Directorate (OSD). Please visit the Kew
Science webpages for more information about our work.
Main tasks
You will contribute towards the planning and delivery of our annual Kew Science Festival taking
place in late July and early August. You will work with our research, communications and events
staff to help develop a range of hands-on science activities, games, interactive experiments, talks
and behind-the-scenes tours suitable for different ages. Your responsibilities will also include
marketing and promotion, developing and delivering communications plans, proofreading, copy
editing, preparing briefings, website management, evaluation, scheduling, general
administration, public engagement and help with running the event.
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Training and professional development provided
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Science communication including social media, writing, copy editing and public
engagement
Events coordination
Website management/administration
Administration skills
About you
You will be:
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Over 18 years old
An undergraduate or recent graduate in the biosciences or science communication
You will have:
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At least two years’ of university education or equivalent, in a relevant subject
A demonstrated interest in biodiversity, its sustainable use and conservation
An interest in science communication and public engagement
An operating knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Powerpoint)
Experience of report writing
Evidence of the ability to work as part of a team
What you can expect from us
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A full induction and appropriate training with ongoing support
Well-rounded work experience within specific fields to develop knowledge, understanding
and skills
To be allocated clear roles and responsibilities
To be treated fairly and with respect
A friendly and dedicated team
Access to Kew’s collections of living and preserved plants and fungi, as well as its
economic botany and Library, Art & Archive collections
An opportunity to engage with and communicate Kew’s internationally renowned science
and conservation programmes
Reimbursement of travel expenses up to a set value in line with Kew’s volunteer policy
What we expect from you
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To carry out your activities in a way that corresponds with Kew’s aims and values
To attend training and meetings, as required
To learn about the work of Kew
To participate in the life of the organisation
Commitment to the hours and days agreed with your supervisor
To be reliable and punctual
To follow Kew policies and procedures
Application and recruitment procedure
Please complete the electronic application form, including details of an academic referee (e.g.
your university tutor or supervisor).
The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of the information supplied in their
application and possible follow-up conversations in May.
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Contact
For further information, please contact:
Pat Griggs, Science Administrator (Education)
Phone: 020 8332 5625
Email: [email protected]
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