Public Engagement Internship
Who we are
The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. We provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today, we lead the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment. Together with our partner The Royal Marsden, we are rated in the top five cancer centres globally.
The ICR is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best minds in the world to join us in our mission – to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a PhD student to support the organisation and delivery of public engagement activities and events as part of the Communications directorate at The Institute of Cancer Research, London. In this Public Engagement Intern role you will gain an insight into engaging creatively with the public about world-class, cutting-edge research as well as useful experience in event planning and management.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic PhD student or postdoc who is highly motivated and organised, and has strong communication skills, including the ability to work with a range of internal and external contacts. We’re looking for someone with excellent time management skills, the ability to plan and prioritise their workloads and show initiative.
The ideal candidate would like to gain experience of organising events, developing communication and engagement materials, and have an interest and understanding of public engagement with science and research. A background in science is desired but not essential.
What will you be doing?
The Public Engagement Intern will work closely with the Public Engagement Officer to plan, manage and evaluate public engagement events and activities at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). Every year, the ICR takes part in science festivals around its sites in Sutton and Chelsea, including the Great Exhibition Road Festival, creating and delivering meaningful engagements with the local community. The role of the Public Engagement Intern will be to coordinate the ICR’s contribution to these events.
A typical day may include liaising with external events organisers about festival practicalities, working with researchers to develop activity scripts, or co-chairing event briefing meetings with ICR staff and student volunteers. You will also be involved in producing content for the ICR’s internal communication channels and you will work with the Digital team to produce external content about public engagement events for the ICR’s social media channels.
What will you gain?
As part of your internship you will develop a range of transferable skills. You will gain experience of managing events, coordinating a team of volunteers and developing creative engagement activities and experiences for public groups. You will gain an understanding of public engagement in the higher education sector and develop your skills communicating with public groups about complex scientific research as part of the Communications directorate of a leading cancer research organisation.
How to apply
Please email Daisy Henesy (daisy.henesy@icr.ac.uk), Public Engagement Officer, with your CV and a one page personal statement, describing why you would be the ideal candidate for this internship.
Deadline: Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 28 February 2020.
Interviews will take place at our Chelsea site w/c Monday 2 March 2020.
If your application is successful, you will be offered an internship and we will arrange a suitable start date with you.
Contact
Please get in touch with Daisy Henesy (daisy.henesy@icr.ac.uk) if you have any questions about the internship.