2020 BBSRC Neuro applic form

Professional Internship opportunity: developing a BBSRC narrative for neuroscience and behaviour

Within BBSRC’s Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health (BIUH) sector, there is an exciting opportunity for a Professional Internship for PhD Students (PIPS) placement to input into the development of BBSRC’s research strategy for neuroscience and behaviour. This interesting and challenging internship will provide an intern with insight into strategy development by the UK’s leading bioscience research funder.

Background to BIUH

The BIUH sector covers a diverse range of scientific disciplines, including healthy ageing, diet and health, regenerative biology, immunology and neuroscience. In 2017/18 BBSRC’s research funding in this sector totalled £56M. Both fundamental neuroscience and neuroscience underpinning health are within BBSRC’s remit in this portfolio.  BBSRC’s annual neuroscience and behaviour research spend is approximately £30M.

Scientific areas covered within this portfolio, include (but are not limited to): fundamental neuroscience research, pain, cognition, mental health, sleep, behaviour, tools and technology development, satiety, stress, degeneration and neuro musculoskeletal systems. They would like to identify their unique offering in this space, and communicate this clearly with Government, academia, industry and the public; which is where this internship is timely.

Background to Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health

Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health is one of three key strategic research priorities set out in BBSRC’s Strategic Plan (http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/documents/strategic-plan-pdf/ ). The scope of the priority takes in bioscience and enabling biotechnology that informs, and delivers research impact from, a better understanding of healthy human systems, and exploiting the value of comparative biology and ‘one health’ approaches for the improved health and welfare of both humans and animals.
In April 2015, BBSRC launched the Bioscience for Health Strategic Framework 2015 – 2020 (http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/documents/bioscience-for-health-booklet/ ), outlining BBSRC’s priorities and goals for the next 5 years in this important area.

Background to Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health strategy development at BBSRC

BBSRC funds a large body of world class science directly aligned to Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health of ~£56M per annum, which is built on a foundation of ~£126M investment in underpinning world class bioscience. This body of research is a unique portfolio providing a crucial contribution to UK’s health research landscape. BBSRC funds research into healthy human systems and both animal health and disease. Research focussed on human diseases falls outside of BBSRC’s scientific remit, but working with other funders, we seek to maximise the value of shared research objectives and knowledge between studies of human health and animal health and disease, through comparative ‘one biology’ approaches, and a ‘one health’ approach to zoonosis research.

Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health research investment is specifically supported through Responsive Mode priority areas in:

• Animal health of livestock species, underpinning future ‘One Health’ approaches
• Food, nutrition and health, launched in May 2014, to build on existing strength in understanding the fundamental mechanisms by which food influences long-term health
• Healthy ageing across the lifecourse, with particular strength in the comparative, systems and cell biology of fundamental mechanisms of ageing, from development to old age
• the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction (3Rs) in research using animals
• Welfare of managed animals

The BBSRC Health Portfolio Review identified particular and unique research strengths in further areas that underpin Bioscience for Health, including other research portfolios and activities such as neuroscience and immunology.

Role of the PIPS intern

We are looking for a PIPS intern to join BBSRC’s BIUH team, where they will work to support the development of forward strategy for potential future neuroscience and behaviour investment, as well as providing evidence to showcase the impact of BBSRC’s existing neuroscience and behaviour portfolio. This is a varied and interesting role. The intern will gain experience of BBSRC and wider UKRI strategy and policy development, as well as an understanding of the research funding landscape in this area. They will:

– Work closely with an external neuroscience and behaviour expert working group and secretariat, to gain an understanding of the wider funding landscape, identifying strengths, gaps and opportunities for BBSRC communities
– Work with the BIUH team and wider organisation to develop a BBSRC narrative for neuroscience and behaviour, particularly with relevance to areas such as the gut-brain axis, cognitive computational neuroscience, mental health and/or artificial intelligence
– Produce case studies for publication for a range of audiences (including the general public, government, researchers) demonstrating the impact of BBSRC neuroscience and behaviour activities
– Carry out analysis of BBSRC’s neuroscience and behaviour portfolio of investments to inform future strategy development
– Input into the development of forward strategy.

The PIPS intern should have enthusiasm for science, in particular fundamental research and biotechnologies, as well as good organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills. This placement will also be an excellent professional development opportunity as well as a chance to learn about other activities of BBSRC and UKRI.

Experience gained on the project:

• Opportunity to provide thought leadership in an emerging area of research and innovation
• Synthesizing information to inform different audiences, including senior members of UKRI-BBSRC, academics, industry and policymakers.
• Presenting work to senior academics, members of industry, and policymakers at Strategy Panel or Expert Working Group meetings (dependent upon timing).
• Experience of cross team and organisation working work the Capability and Innovation Domain and the Strategy and Programmes Group within UKRI-BBSRC.
• Opportunity to develop forward strategy for Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health
• Experience of liaising with external stakeholders and grant holders.
• Further develop planning and project management skills, in order to meet deadlines.

Contact

Questions on this placement can be directed to Iain Templeman email: iain.templeman@bbsrc.ukri.org

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this PIPS placement, then please complete the attached application form and return it to pips@bbsrc.ukri.org by 24th January 2020.

You should be available to start your placement in Spring/Summer 2020.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

PIPS opportunity: Communicating the Impact of Genomics with the BBSRC Frontier Bioscience team.  

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated PhD student to join the UKRI-BBSRC Frontier Bioscience team to work on increasing the profile of the long-term impacts that BBSRC’s legacy of investment in genomics has generated for science and society. This 3-month internship would suit a PhD student with interests in genomics, biotechnology, science communication (SciComm) or public engagement. This internship will involve gathering evidence from a range of sources, including key stakeholders both inside and outside of the organization, and working collaboratively with the UKRI Communications and Public Engagement team to develop and disseminate an accessible narrative. There will be ample scope to shape the direction of the project based on the candidate’s own skills and interests and you will also gain broad exposure to research strategy and programmes activities within UKRI-BBSRC.

Background to UKRI-BBSRC Frontier Biosciences

In 2019 UKRI-BBSRC published its new Delivery Plan outlining three high-level objectives which underpin its ambitious vision for UK bioscience, including Advancing the Frontiers of Bioscience Discovery. In order to deliver on the enabling potential of bioscience in tackling global challenges, strategic long-term support for cutting-edge, fundamental research at the frontiers of bioscience discovery is necessary to build the foundations for future impact.
The legacy of BBSRC support in genomics spans decades since its first establishment in 1994. Today, genomics is a rapidly advancing field which cuts across much of the > £300 million portfolio of investment curated by UKRI-BBSRC annually. Demonstrating how historical investments at the frontiers of genomics have laid the foundations for contemporary innovation and impact will help UKRI-BBSRC build the case for increased long-term investment to Government. It will also highlight the exciting potential for longer-term impact from recent and future investments at the contemporary frontiers of genomics to our wider stakeholder group, including the general public.

Role of the PIPS Intern

– Gather and curate evidence of the impact of past BBSRC investments in genomics using both data-driven analytical tools and personal engagement (e.g. interviews) with key stakeholders (e.g. academics, industry leaders).
– Work collaboratively with the UKRI Communications and Public Engagement team to write clear and concise descriptions of complex scientific concepts understandable by the general public.
– Contribute proactively to the wider work of the Frontier Bioscience Team

Additional Development Opportunities

– Attend continued professional development (CPD) training courses offered through UKSBS or externally.
– Travel to one or more of BBSRC’s strategically funded institutes (e.g. Rothamsted Institute, Roslin Institute) to gain first-hand familiarity with ongoing research programmes in genomics.
– Learn more about the work of the UK’s principal public funder of biosciences research, including potential to attend a UKRI-BBSRC grant panel meeting to experience of the peer review system.

Recruitment and Selection

This position is based at Polaris House, Swindon, and may also require occasional travel to off-site locations. Travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses for the duration of the
internship will be covered by UKRI-BBSRC, up to the amount of £1,000 per month.  (For White Rose BBSRC DTP students, this will not apply and you will qualify for the standard PIPS allowance.  (up to £2050 at the time of writing).

What past interns have had to say about their experience of working at BBSRC:

“I really enjoyed working with the team at BBSRC – everyone was very friendly and made me feel welcome.”

“It was great to gain an insight into how the BBSRC works as an organisation.”

Equality and Diversity

UKRI-BBSRC is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our staff and
eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for UKRI-BBSRC to be truly representative of
all sections of society and to showcase the strengths of an inclusive and diverse workforce.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and promote equality of
opportunity in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Contact

Informal queries should be directed to Dr Kyle Martin at kyle.martin@bbsrc.ukri.org.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this PIPS placement, then please complete the attached application
form and return it to pips@bbsrc.ukri.org by 6 January 2020.

Interviews are to be held the week of 13 January 2020 by teleconference. You should be available to start your
placement between March-April 2020.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM HERE

Project Outline

The placement is to take place within the Content team at FindAUniversity Ltd.  The successful candidate will be involved with our ongoing activities as a professional publisher of high-quality online resources for prospective postgraduate students. Core activities would include:

• Researching and writing articles for our flagship websites, FindAMasters and FindAPhD;
• Copywriting and editorial work on our regular e-newsletters;
• Supporting and engaging with our audience and community via social media;

These channels reach a substantial audience. Individual articles on our sites are typically read by thousands of people a month; our newsletters are sent to a combined audience of over 350,000 subscribers.

In addition to this core work, the intern would take charge of a dedicated project designed to improve a critical aspect of our websites and content. Past examples have included assisting with the redesign of our course search, creating pilot content for new sites, and undertaking substantial audit and improvement of existing resources.

Opportunities may also exist to work with our digital marketing, web development and events teams.

Essential Skills

This post requires candidates who are enthusiastic about writing and want to take their work to the next level. It would ideally suit someone who is looking to gain professional copywriting and publishing experience, perhaps with a view to working in science communications, PR or policy, following their PhD.

Training and editorial support will be required, but we’ll be looking for someone with a good standard of literacy to begin with. Experience of writing for the web is desirable, but not essential.

 Skills Developed

 The position will develop the student’s writing and proofreading skills.  They will gain an in-depth knowledge of the postgraduate education sector, student recruitment and relevant policy. They will also gain technical skills including SEO and HTML along with experience using professional CMS platforms for web publishing.  After three months they should also have a good understanding of internet advertising and student recruitment.

This sort of placement would be ideal for a PhD student seeking to gain experience of writing for more varied audiences, perhaps with a view to one day working in web publishing, science communication or policy.

Number of Placements Offered

Variable, depending on number of suitable applications.

Possible Timeframe

We currently have the capacity to take on PIPS interns at any point from April 2020.  Ideally, placements would be completed on a three-month, full-time, basis.

Interns will be based at our office here in Sheffield. Support with accommodation and travel may be available for candidates who need to commute or relocate for the placement.

Additional benefits

FindAUniversity is a friendly, collaborative and supportive place to work. We run frequent social events and provide free weekly Pilates and mindfulness sessions as well as a company lunch on Fridays. Interns are provided with a personal mentor to help them settle in and support them in getting the most out of their time with us.

Useful Links:

https://www.findamasters.com/advice/

https://www.findaphd.com/advice/

http://www.findauniversity.com/careers

Contact

Dr Mark Bennett

Email: MBennett@findauniversity.com

Tel: 01142684940

FindAUniversity Ltd.

Sellers Wheel

77 Sidney Street

Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK

T: +44(0)114 268 4940

E: info@FindAUniversity.com

How to apply

In the first instance, email Dr Mark Bennett to express an interest.  Attach a CV and covering letter / email.  You will then be invited to an informal interview, to confirm that this is the right PIPS for you.

PIPS project 2020: Science Communication

Background information

Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health issue requiring multiple solutions and a sustained, coordinated response. The pharmaceutical industry is committed to tackling AMR working alongside governments and NGOs. Every year 50,000 people die from infections which are resistant to antibiotics, and this is estimated to increase; by 2050 10 million people will die worldwide from resistant infections.

As an industry we recognise that we all have a role in to play in tackling AMR. We are working internationally and locally to do so, and this PIPS intern project will contribute to this global effort.

Project offered

The ABPI is offering an exciting opportunity for a PIPS student to apply bioscience knowledge in a science communication context. The project centres around antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the student will conduct online research and liaise with subject experts and other stakeholders to produce written content which: promotes awareness of AMR; supports reducing the need for unintentional exposure; optimises use; improves supply, development and access.

The output of the project is expected to include:

• Content for support of policy work and current collaborative work with stakeholders
• Content for animations and diagrams for use on our award-winning schools’ website to support public engagement in schools
• Slide deck to support ABPI’s commitment to raising awareness of AMR across a variety of stakeholders

There may be scope for updating online resource content for other topics aimed at A-level students (time permitting).

The student will be working within the Research, Medical & Innovation team and will liaise with colleagues across ABPI and within our member companies. Should there be any opportunities for attendance at internal meetings or on pharmaceutical site visits, the student will be able to take advantage of these.

The successful applicant can expect to have a supervisor who would meet regularly for face to face guidance and support.

Timing

The exact timing can be confirmed with the successful applicant, though we would expect this to be undertaken with a start date in Quarter 1-2 2020.

Location

The project is based at the ABPI office, 105 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QT. 12 weeks (Monday-Friday 9-5, 1 hour for lunch)

Benefits to student undertaking this project

This project is a great opportunity to gain and develop science communication experience, with similar projects in the past having provided opportunities to develop contacts which could be helpful to someone considering a future career in industry. The successful applicant can be expected to be treated as a member of the ABPI Research, Medical & Innovation Team, and as such, will benefit from professional development, cross functional working, interaction with wider stakeholders and an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.

Funding

Lunch expenses will be refunded in line with ABPI standard expenses policy. Modest travel expenses for commuting into London (if applicable) will be paid.

How to apply

A CV and covering letter should be sent to Andrew Croydon, Skills & Education Policy and Examinations Director, ABPI (acroydon@abpi.org.uk), by close of business Tuesday 10^th December 2019.  Should you have any questions prior to applying, these should also be sent to the above email address.

PIPS project 2020: Industry/academic links survey

Background information

Every two years ABPI, as the trade association of the UK pharmaceutical industry, monitors the training interactions pharmaceutical companies have with UK universities. These include undergraduate placements, PhD studentships and postdoctoral fellowships.

Collaborations between industry and academic institutions will also be identified and highlighted as part of this project.

Project offered

Following on from previous successful PIPS internships for this particular project, we are once again, seeking a PIPS student to apply their scientific and project management experience in a policy context. The output of the project will be a short report for publication by ABPI and a slide set which can be used in presentations which highlight the contribution the pharmaceutical industry makes to the training of young people.

The successful applicant can expect to have a supervisor who would meet regularly for face to face guidance and support.

Timing

The project is to be carried out from early 2020, a late January 2020 start date would be ideal, but there could be some flexibility applied on discussion.

Location

The project is based at the ABPI office, 105 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QT. 12 weeks (Monday-Friday 9-5, 1 hour for lunch)

Benefits to student undertaking this project

This project is a great opportunity to gain and develop science communication experience, with similar projects in the past having provided opportunities to develop contacts which could be helpful to someone considering a future career in industry. The successful applicant can be expected to be treated as a member of the ABPI Research, Medical & Innovation Team, and as such, will benefit from professional development, cross functional working, interaction with wider stakeholders and an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the interactions industry has with universities.

Funding

Lunch expenses will be refunded in line with ABPI standard expenses policy. Modest travel expenses for commuting into London (if applicable) will be paid.

How to apply

A CV and covering letter should be sent to Andrew Croydon, Skills & Education Policy and Examinations Director, ABPI (acroydon@abpi.org.uk), by close of business Tuesday 10th December 2019.  Should you have any questions prior to applying, these should also be sent to the above email address.

This is an opportunity to spend 3 months with ITECHO HEALTH as a Machine Learning Research Intern.

About ITECHO HEALTH

Website: http://www.itechohealth.com/

Itecho Health is a young, dynamic company established to develop digital health applications in long-term or stable conditions and is led by clinicians and experts in technology and business. We have created Ascelus^TM – a fully integrated platform with patient and clinician user applications and AI/machine learning module interconnected with existing hospital IT systems to improve management of long-term conditions. This aims to benefit patients (increased convenience and empowerment), commissioners (reduced costs) and hospitals (increased capacity for clinicians). This approach has been proven successful in 12,000 patients with stable HIV across five hospitals in Europe. We are currently working on three main research projects:

1. To develop our platform for use in fertility medicine – to improve fertility outcomes in sub-fertile patient populations, through personalised prescription of lifestyle factors, predominantly physical activity and exercise. The AI system will integrate patient data and NHS Trust clinical records to develop optimal lifestyle interventions and advice.
2. To develop our platform for management of patients with Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), that will provide a more convenient and time efficient way of managing their condition. The project aims to implement Ascelus^TM, allowing patients to record symptoms, receive clinical advice, test results, information on medication, and make appointments on their mobile device. This will reduce the need for face-to-face appointments and free up clinician time for more complex patients.
3. To develop our platform to assist in the management of men with advanced prostate cancer. Men with advanced prostate cancer currently have to attend out-patients up to 15 times per year and our technology may be able to half the number of visits and replace these with a mobile interaction and video conferencing with the existing specialist team.

We are based in Nexus, a newly built research and innovation centre in the heart of the University of Leeds campus: https://www.nexus.org.uk/ 

What you will do

The project looks at the relationship between lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and exercise, and fertility. Specifically, we are looking at three populations: patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome, secondary amenorrhea or patients undergoing IVF treatment. The goal is to develop our digital health platform, Ascelus^TM, to help improve fertility outcomes via personalised exercise, nutritional and behavioural interventions, which are constantly adjusted through our AI interface, and is supported by scientific research.

Key roles and responsibilities:

• Develop behavioural and psychological advice and treatment based on published evidence, to support the exercise and nutrition team.
• Develop ways to improve motivation of patients through the platform to maximise impact.
• Lead the user experience market research – including patient recruitment, patient observation/interviews and prototype development and modification based on user experience laboratory (Ux lab) involvement (it is our understanding that this approach has not previously been used with patients/clinicians)
• Potential for scientific publication in the field of Social Sciences

Ideal candidate

The characteristics listed below are ideally required for the role.  However, if you are not sure that you match all the criteria but you are interested in the placement, please see contact details below to have a discussion before applying.  (Don’t delay, as it is a tight application deadline).  

• Experience undertaking scientific or business research
• Postgraduate studying a core social science such as psychology
• Experience studying behavioural or psychological theories
• Experience of publication/presentations to a range of audiences.
• Passion for public health and health improvement

When

Internships will take place for 3 months during 2020.  Dates are flexible and will be agreed between ITECHO HEALTH and the student. 

Where

You will be based at the ITECHO HEALTH offices within Nexus on The University of Leeds campus, within a short walk from Leeds train station.

GET DIRECTIONS

Contact

For enquiries concerning the details of the placement – duties, dates, general discussion about suitability, etc – please contact Joanne Howorth in the first instance.  She will direct you to the relevant person to speak to in the ITECHO HEALTH team.

Joanne Howorth | Engagement Manager: Talent and Skills I Nexus | Research and Innovation Service   Email: j.howorth@leeds.ac.uk           Tel: 0113 343 2706

How to apply

ITECHO HEALTH applic form – Fertility Outcomes – DOWNLOAD HERE

Return your completed application form to Joanne Howarth (j.howorth@leeds.ac.uk) 

by the deadline:  11:59 hours Thursday 12th December 2019  

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Monday 1 July and interviews are scheduled to be held on Thursday 11 July.

The Royal Institution (Ri) is looking for an intern to start in late September 2019 to assist the Ri team with administering and delivering its programme of masterclasses. This placement will involve working with the Ri during its busiest and most exciting time of year and would be ideal for anyone interested in learning more about maths enrichment activities in an educational setting, and STEM communication more generally. It is a full-time 12 week placement working Tuesday to Saturday, based in Central London with the requirement to travel to Masterclass sessions in London and the South East. Students will therefore be expected to base themselves within or near to London for the period of the placement. I understand that some funding bodies/DTPs offer expenses for this purpose.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

For more information about our internship programme and details on individual placements, timeframes and how to apply, CLICK HERE

The Academy of Medical Sciences is pleased to open applications to our Grants and Programmes internship scheme for internships in 2019/20.

The scheme is open to BBSRC-funded PhD students through the PIPS scheme.

Students spend three months at the Academy offices in central London. The scheme is designed to give students first-hand experience of the research funding and career development sectors, and to build valuable networks with the UK’s most eminent medical scientists and senior science and health stakeholders.

More details can be found at https://acmedsci.ac.uk/about/administration/internship-schemes.

Contact:

Dr Kim Hutchings
International Grants Manager
The Academy of Medical Sciences
41 Portland Place
London W1B 1QH

+44 (0)20 3141 3234