Proteintech – Deadline: 17 Sep 2021

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Proteintech logo

Proteintech, we are looking to offer an internship placement to PhD students. Proteintech is a Biotech company specialising in antibodies and related reagents, and our Europe headquarters are based in Manchester City Centre.

The internship at Proteintech would offer students biotech industry experience with a focus on scientific communications, marketing and events management. The European Team is small and friendly, with the students being closely managed by Dr Rebecca Northeast and the Managing Director. The students will be involved in activities in all sectors of the company, Marketing, R&D and Sales, and the aim is to provide good careers advice and continued support for future applications.

More information regarding the internship can be found in the attached advert.

2021-Proteintech-via-BBSRC-17Sep21-deadlineDownload

The closing date for applications is 17th September 2021.

Another award for a White Rose student!

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MonoGram logo taken from the site http://www.monogram.ac.uk/MECEA.php

Cara Wheeldon of The University of Leeds has won the 2021 Monogram Early Career Excellence Award (MECEA)! Her work on barley, pea, and Arabidopsis plant sensing genes could potentially increase our growing understanding of how plant roots interact with each other and their environment. Identifying and understanding these genetic functions could potentially improve crop health and productivity. Obviously both Cara Wheeldon and the potential of her research greatly impressed the Monogram and Rank Prize Fund’s. As part of the DTP she has done us proud and we hope to continue to see her and others succeed!

Cara Wheeldon White Rose profile photo

Cara’s Profile: https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/phdproject/the-role-of-root-exudates-in-density-dependent-growth-responses-in-plants/

YES20: Team Mycrobio’s journey

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You may have heard about the YES competition before – but what does it actually entail and why should you consider joining? We caught up with our DTP-funded team Mycrobio, made up of 5 White Rose DTP PhD students, who took part in the YES20 edition of the competition and won a prize at the final! Read our interview with the team below to find out all about their experience.

Read moreYES20: Team Mycrobio’s journey

Virtual conferences: how to make your research more accessible.

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Image from www.meetingsnet.com/event-design-ideas

Remote conferences and seminars bypass the logistical, financial and environmental burdens of travelling. They can also encourage a greater diversity of participants, readily bringing together expertise and perspective from various career stages and backgrounds. However, virtual meetings are not without their drawbacks, especially when it comes to accessibility. Indeed, many of these problems have been highlighted as people turn away from the face-to-face format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps with the current momentum of online platforms, now is the ideal time to address these issues and improve the accessibility of our online meetings for now and in the future. Here, we highlight some accessibility barriers that are often overlooked in online meetings and offer advice to organisers and presenters on how to mitigate these. 

Read moreVirtual conferences: how to make your research more accessible.

MORF coding – Apply anytime

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MORF logo University of York

MORF is a web-based platform for storing, sharing and interrogating multi-omics data. It was custom built in the Thomas group at York as part of the DETOX project, for which it is a key resource for analysing and disseminating project data. MORF is now being developed as a service for academics and industry to use for their own data, either for their own primary analysis and use or for data dissemination through publications and other routes.

We are looking for a PIPS intern with a strong interest in programming to work in the MORF team, developing the platform and delivering MORF projects for clients. As well as having the chance to put their coding skills to the test, the intern will join the exciting journey to commercialise MORF!

Candidate requirements

Essential:

  • Experience of programming with Python and R.
  • BSc in biology or a related subject
  • Excellent communication skills

Desirable

  • Web development with JavaScript
  • Good knowledge of ‘omics technologies and microbiology

Placement

This opportunity is expected to be fulfilled remotely by a candidate with access to their own computer and internet, supported by in person meetings in York with the MORF team. The candidate will develop their coding skills and apply this to data visualization, integration and analysis problems to help improve the functionality of the tool. Experience in teamwork, time management and customer facing communication will be gained. There may also be opportunities to contribute to publications in this role.

Application Details

Please contact MORF Business Manager Joyce Bennett for informal enquiries and to submit your application and cover letter: joyce.bennett@york.ac.uk

University of York logo

APHA (DEFRA) at York – Deadline: 15th July 2021

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Animal & Plant Health Agency (DEFRA) logo

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). We are looking for a PIPS intern to work within the APHA Wildlife Department, based near York. The department is a nationally important centre for wildlife disease management with multidisciplinary skills in epidemiology, statistics, and field ecology.

The position is for three months. The placement ends in October 2021, but the start date is flexible. The working pattern can be flexible, but you will be expected to spend some part of your time on site.

For further details, including how to apply, download the flyer:

2021-APHA-DEFRA-advertDownload

The application deadline is 15th July 2021.

White Rose’s Mycrobio Team Wins at YES20 Competition

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YES20 Competitions Header

Some good news from the DTP! the team Mycrobio funded by the White Rose DTP won the prize for “Best IP strategy” sponsored by Potter Clarkson at the YES20 competition. After a long delay due to COVID the competition finally took place on April 23rd, with the team submitting an IP strategy to use microbiome sequencing to create bespoke skincare products with the aim of restoring and maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.

The team consisted of a group of students comprising all our partner institutions including the Universities of Sheffield, York, and Leeds. This group has been a great example of the benefits of inter cohort participation!

Mycrobio YES20 submission cover photo

And without further adieu the particpating members were

  • Alice Seleiro “Team Leader” (Sheffield)
  • Orlagh Anderson (York)
  • Laurence De Lussy-Kubisa (Sheffield)
  • Maia Harvey (Leeds)
  • Jack Wright (Leeds)

Great job to all those above and hopefully we can do some more articles on you all again soon!

Swift Analytical marketing & sales – Apply immediately

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Swift Analytical logo 2021

Swift Analytical is a family owned, York based distribution company providing cutting edge solutions for scientists in the biotech and life science sectors. Our exciting product portfolio is centred around bioprinting, tissue engineering, 3D cell culture and characterisation and regenerative medicine. Our customers range from start-ups, blue chip and academic institutions mainly in the UK.

We have an opportunity for at least one PIPS internship starting immediately to support our sales team with a range of frontline sales support activities including customer demonstrations, webinar presentations and brand building.

We are looking for at least one PIPS intern to take us through to the end of 2021 and at least one intern for 2022.

Download the flyer for more information, including how to apply.

2021-Swift-Analytical-advertDownload

ADAS Field Experimentation – Deadline: 12th June 2021

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Field Experimentation to Optimise Oats Nutrition for Yield and Quality

About ADAS

ADAS (www.adas.uk ) is the UK’s largest independent provider of agricultural and environmental consultancy, rural development services and policy advice. We have over 400 staff across the country covering >80 disciplines.

Our combination of insight and practical experience, underpinned by robust, informed, science-based information allows us to meet the needs of both our domestic and international clients.

The placement project and skills

The successful candidate will be working on an AHDB (www.ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds)  and Industry-funded project. The work aims to provide advice on the most appropriate nitrogen rates and timings plus sulphur applications to optimise winter and spring oats’ yields and milling quality. There are a currently a number of field experiments established around the country and we would like the student to manage the pre-harvest sampling of these experiments.

The work will involve writing protocols, carrying out practical field work, measurements of samples, data entry and data analysis. It will be an important aspect of the overall project as it will improve the understanding of the effect of nitrogen and sulphur on oats biomass and nitrogen uptake and partitioning.

The student will be working closely with the project manager and field team at ADAS but will take charge of this part of the oats project. There will also be opportunities to work with the field team to deliver a range of other cereals and oilseed rape projects looking at varieties, fungicide and plant growth regulator effects.

The student will gain insights into working in a commercial research environment, including skills in effective time and project management, team-working, practical field-work skills plus data management and reporting. There will be an opportunity to present results to the project consortium at the end of the placement.

Candidate requirements

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, willing to work outdoors or in an office with a degree of flexibility. Good time management and ability to work alone or as part of a team. Skills in Word, Excel and statistics.

Candidates will require a full, clean, driving licence and access to a car as the site is not accessible via public transport.

Placement details – when and where

This will be a part time (3 days per week) placement over 5 months, starting in July 2021, with some flexibility in this.

The placement will be based at the following ADAS site, although visits will need to be made to other field sites:

ADAS Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, NG20 NPD

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter to Sarah.Clarke@adas.co.uk .

Deadline for applications: 12th June 2021

Proteintech communications/ marketing/ events- Deadline: 30th June 2021

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Another internship opportunity for you to apply for, with Proteintech – an international biotechnology company, based in their Manchester office for 12 weeks over the summer.

https://www.ptglab.com/about-us/company-profile/

The internship aims to offer PhD students experience in the biotech industry with a focus on scientific communications, marketing, and events management.

Responsibilities:
• Scientific content writing –blogs, product focuses, marketing content, technical application tips
• Events – helping organise and run events for the Scientific community, including Early-Career Researcher Meetings, Post-Doc Appreciation days, Technical Webinars
• Digital marketing – working on website improvement, providing technical content for digital channels, social media content
• Market feedback – performing market research, interviewing other scientists to collect feedback on Proteintech activities
• Flexibility – freedom to use their own expertise and sphere of influence to generate content and increase awareness of Proteintech with other scientists

Download the flyer for more information:

2021-ProteintechClick to download Proteintech details

How to apply

Applications via CV and covering letter to Rebecca Northeast: rebecca@ptglab.com and Kier Wilkinson: kier@ptglab.com

Deadline: 30th June 2021

Exploring the science behind everyday plants- Stinging nettles

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What with the advent of better weather you are more likely to be coming into contact with Urtica dioica a.k.a. stinging nettles! Renowned for their painful sting, they are actually really cool plants that play an important role in local ecology. They are a larval food source for several species of butterflies and moths including the Peacock butterfly. They often grow in shady, wet wasteland with heavy metal content and have shown potential to be used in bioremediation strategies, removing the heavy metals from contaminated areas.

A botanical illustration of Stinging Nettle from Flora von Deustchland, 1885

Read moreExploring the science behind everyday plants- Stinging nettles

AMRC Quality standards review intern -Apply immediately

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AMRC logo

Download the leaflet below for details of a PIPS placement opportunity with the Association of Medical Research Charities mid-July 2021 to mid-October 2021. Applications are now open on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out. Promising applicants will be invited to a virtual interview.

2021 AMRC QSR intern Jul-Oct21Download

James Henderson – Green Room (Fukuoka, Japan)

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James Henderson is a PhD student at the University of Leeds who went to Fukuoka, Japan for his PIPS to teach English to Japanese students in a company called Green Room. The students ranged from 15 to 70 years old, and from beginner to advanced levels. Read on to find out more about Jamie’s experience and see the photos that illustrate it!

What did you do?
 
From the outset of the placement I was a teaching assistant; helping the full-time teachers and having private lessons with more capable students. As my time progressed I was responsible for my own classrooms, up to six students at a time, either following textbooks, or creating my own schedules. I was also responsible for the conversational café that would require me balancing the outspoken students with the more anxious individuals, ensuring everyone was able to practice their English. I would often interact with at least 15 people during these sessions.
 

What made you want to do that particular placement?

For several years I have considered a career in Japan, but was fully aware that getting a job there is quite difficult without any previous experience of the country and its customs. PIPS gave me the opportunity to live and work in Japan, which I otherwise would not have been able to do. I have also previously considered a career in education as I have enjoyed my short experiences of teaching. This placement allowed me to experience both of my potential future aspirations. Initially I was unsure if teaching English would be a waste of time and if I should do something more science-related. Eventually I decided that the benefits of working abroad, practicing a career I enjoyed and going out of my comfort zone outweighed doing a science internship.  

How did you go about finding and planning your PIPS?

As I had no contacts in Japan, it was initially very difficult to obtain a placement there. I had to use the help of a company that specialised in finding internships for non-Japanese citizens, Meiji Internships. Through them I was able to apply to several different fields such as education, agriculture and so on. Once they found a company interested in working with me, they gave me their contact details so that we could plan my internship and responsibilities. Without Meiji Internships I don’t think I would have been able to find a placement so easily, so I am very grateful to them. 

What have you gained from doing your PIPS?

The biggest personal gain I got from my PIPS was an improvement in my confidence. I had to interact with students of all ages and maintain interesting discussions on a daily basis, which forced me to come out of my comfort zone. Many Japanese students were very shy, so I had to encourage them to talk by asking them questions and keeping them engaged. The language barrier also helped improve my explanation of complex ideas, such as my PhD project, as I had to describe the concepts in a very simple manner. Something I wasn’t expecting was the level of enjoyment I obtained from teaching. Previously I thought teaching might be a good career path, but now it is a genuine career I may pursue. 

How would you sum up your PIPS experience?

My PIPS experience was excellent. In first year I thought it would be a pain and assumed I would do some dull job in or near Leeds for ease. Halfway through second year I started seriously considering what I could do and when I realised it was (almost) anything I wanted, I jumped at the opportunity to work in Japan. It has helped improve some of my weaker characteristics, such as my shy persona and fear of trying new things. I was able to live in a new country, adapt to a completely different culture, see things I would never see in the UK, meet new people and form some strong contacts. It reinforced future career paths that I may follow and, as a plus, was a nice break from the lab. PIPS has evolved from something I was dreading to my favourite part of my PhD so far.    

What advice would you give to other students about PIPS?

I would suggest to other students that they go abroad if they haven’t been before and have the opportunity to do so. My placement was the first time I have ever been out of the UK for anything longer than two weeks, and has changed my views about working abroad. Previously I had only truly considered working in either the UK or USA (and a desire to work in Japan), but my placement has now made me more than happy to try working in other non-English speaking countries. Also don’t worry if your placement isn’t completely science-related, which was a fear of mine. I assumed I would have to do science as it was what others were doing and I thought it was expected of most students; but you really can do what you want to do.

Stella Christou – COVID-19 Genomics UK

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Stella Christou became involved with the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium for her PIPS placement. She joined a lab at the University of Sheffield where they sequenced SARS-CoV-2 from positive patients around South Yorkshire. Read more to find out how PIPS can further your transferrable skills.

Read moreStella Christou – COVID-19 Genomics UK

Exploring the science behind everyday plants- Artemisia

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The 25th of April is World Malaria Day so this month we’re going to look at a plant that has become famous for helping to combat this devastating disease. It’s possible that you had not heard of Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) until 2015 when Tu Youyou, who first discovered the compounds artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her work on these antimalarial drugs.

Sweet wormwood– not a spectacular looking plant but certainly very useful!

Read moreExploring the science behind everyday plants- Artemisia

Maia Harvey – Oxford University Innovation

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Oxford University Innovation new logo

Maia Harvey is a final year student at the University of Leeds who did her PIPS with Oxford University Innovation (OUI) – Oxford University’s technology transfer office. OUI helps academics if they want to form a spinout company, protect a technology with intellectual property, form licensing agreements and market technologies to potential investors or licensees. Read Maia’s PIPS case study to find out what a placement in technology transfer entails!

Where did you go and what did you do?

I spent 3 months at Oxford University Innovation. I was working with the Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Digital Health departments – which meant I worked on projects ranging from sustainable energy to drug delivery!

When I arrived I trained alongside a new Assistant Licensing and Ventures Manager. We were trained on patents and other intellectual property, so that I could work with an inventor to decide whether the technology they had invented was novel or not (if it’s not novel or useful, it won’t have commercial value!). This involved meeting with University professors and listening to ‘pitches’ of their inventions before going away and researching if something similar had been done before and how they might patent their idea. I enjoyed this as it felt like detective work, and looking at science from a different point of view was really interesting.

Once an invention has intellectual property protection, it can be licensed to companies that want to use the technology. Part of my role was to market these inventions, finding companies that might be interested in licensing the technology. I also wrote profiles of the technology to ‘advertise’ what the invention was.

I also attended Oxford University’s spinout training at their ‘incubator’ for new potential start-ups. As someone with a business mindset, I relished this opportunity and learnt lots about what you have to consider when developing your own business model – where to look for investment, how to market a product effectively, and how to master the perfect ‘elevator pitch’ to use at networking events.

During my time at OUI I also worked with OxReach – Oxford University’s crowdfunding platform. This year they were raising funds to digitise plant samples so they could be used worldwide in food security research.  I helped manage the social media campaign, creating posts for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I also secured a radio interview with a local radio station to help spread the word!

What made you want to do that particular placement?

Throughout my undergraduate degree and PhD, I’ve always been interested in the commercial potential of scientific inventions. Working in a drug discovery lab, I was interested in how the research conducted in academic labs can be translated to create businesses and products to be used in industry. I really wanted to find an internship that combined my passions for science and business.

How did you go about finding and planning your PIPS?

It was a very straightforward process. I saw an advert posted on the BBSRC website and sent my CV and a cover letter. I then had a chat on the phone to the head of Licensing and Ventures at the company and arranged a start date.

What have you gained from doing your PIPS?

Where to start! Firstly, this internship confirmed to me that I’d like a career working at some stage of the science commercialisation process. I feel like I left OUI with a solid knowledge base including specific skills in patents, marketing and business development.

As PhD students, we are working on one main project for 3-4 years, so suddenly working on several projects in a week made me quickly learn how to juggle my time and prioritise.

Completing my internship in Spring 2020 meant that a national lockdown started halfway through my 3 months – so I quickly had to adapt to working from home and becoming a Microsoft Teams expert! It was really interesting to see how a company can adapt so quickly to 100% WFH while maintaining revenue in completely new circumstances.

How would you sum up your PIPS experience?

A fast-paced science commercialisation internship with good office company! Thank you, OUI!

What advice would you give to other PGRs about PIPS?

I found it useful to complete an internship in a career area I was considering. Through conversations with colleagues about their own career journeys, I was introduced to roles and careers I didn’t know existed before! Completing my PIPS really helped me narrow down what I want to do after my PhD.

The Space Chile Grow a Pepper Plant Challenge: your chance to contribute to growing plants in space!

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Space chile logo

My name is Luke and I’m about to undertake my PIPS placement with the Space Chile Grow a Pepper Plant Challenge. This is a citizen science project designed and run by Jacob Torres, a contracted engineering plant scientist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (although this placement is not affiliated with NASA!). While the placement will be based in Sheffield due to COVID restrictions, it’s sure to be an ‘out of this world’ experience!

Read moreThe Space Chile Grow a Pepper Plant Challenge: your chance to contribute to growing plants in space!

Twitter for academics: Why should scientists start tweeting?

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Have you ever considered that social media could actually prove useful in your research?          In this blog, Dr Daisy Shu, postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard Medical School, reflects on how sharing her scientific research journey through social media has benefited her career. If you are keen to find out what academic Twitter is all about from a fellow scientist, have a read!

Read moreTwitter for academics: Why should scientists start tweeting?

Lost in Translation: Being a Mathematician in a Biologist’s World

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Are you an interdisciplinary scientist working in biology? We want to hear from you! More details after this article.

When I first walked into my new lab, what bewildered me wasn’t the sheer amount of nondescript bottles and expensive machinery. It was the ability of my labmates to move between the -70 freezers, the centrifuges, the thermocyclers, and the gel stations and know exactly how to use each of them. As a mathematician who hadn’t ever ventured out of the library to apply my formulae to the real world, how was I supposed to keep up with everyone else?

A collage of lab-related photos. Top left, shelves stacked with chemicals. Bottom left, adult plants in rows. Top right, seedlings in soil. Bottom right, four thermocyclers in a line.
Plants, chemicals, and thermocyclers. These photos show the strange new world of plant biology.

Read moreLost in Translation: Being a Mathematician in a Biologist’s World

ABPI Science Communication – Apply by 27 Apr21

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Association of the British Pharmaceutical Institute (ABPI) logo

12 weeks PIPS project 2021: Science Communication

Background information

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.

Website: https://abpi.org.uk/#03c6c108

Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, we partner with organisations in the life sciences community and beyond to transform lives across the UK.

As part of ABPI’s work to communicate on the discovery, development, regulation and manufacture of medicines, we have an award-winning Resources for Schools website (https://www.abpischools.org.uk/) with interactive content and animations to support science teaching and learning for teachers and young people. The resources are in line with the curriculum, and many of them link topics studied in school to their application in industry and research. All our resources link science topics covered in school to the world outside and, particularly, to the treatment of disease.

Project offered

The ABPI is offering an exciting opportunity for a PIPS student to apply bioscience knowledge in a science communication context. In Quarter 3 2021, the ABPI will be launching a new schools’ website which will be aiming to broaden its audience from the existing regular user base.

This 12 week project centres around medicine development and the student will conduct online research and liaise with subject experts and other external stakeholders to produce written and interactive content which will inform on the research requirements for developing medicines and wider associated curriculum areas, whilst engaging a variety of audiences across the school education pathway.

The output of the project is expected to include:

  • Specialised content to support the launch of the new ABPI schools’ website, focussing on areas of identified curriculum need
  • 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

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 virtual guidance and support at the current time, with potential face-to-face meetings depending on Government guidance in relation to Covid and company policy.

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 2-3 2021.  We anticipate the project to run for 12 weeks. This is a contract for Monday to Friday 9-5pm, with a one hour lunch break.

Location

The project is currently entirely remote working. There may be some scope for days at the ABPI office, 105 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QT, dependant on Covid developments.   All IT equipment required to undertake the project will be supplied to you.

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

Normally we would reimburse modest travel expenses however, we are currently working remotely.   If during the project you are required to travel to our offices in London Victoria or to a pharmaceutical site visit, travel expenses and reasonable lunch expenses will be fully reimbursed.

Applications

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 27th April 2021.  Should you have any questions prior to applying, these should be sent to Alice Coburn, Education Executive, ABPI (acoburn@abpi.org.uk).

 

ABPI Exam Digitalisation – apply by 27 Apr21

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Association of the British Pharmaceutical Institute (ABPI) logo

12 weeks PIPS project 2021: Exam digitalisation

Background information

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.

Website: https://abpi.org.uk/#03c6c108

Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines.

Every day, we partner with organisations in the life sciences community and beyond to transform lives across the UK.

One role undertaken by The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is delivery of the professional ABPI Medical Representatives Exam, taken by those who call upon doctors, dentists, and other UK prescribers and/or promote medicines based on their therapeutic properties. ​This includes representatives from virtually all pharmaceutical companies with UK operations.

Integrity of the Exam is crucial to building and maintaining the trust and reputation of the UK pharmaceutical industry.

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, paper-based exams that were held monthly at venues across the country were cancelled and the ABPI have since moved all examinations online. In the coming months, we are introducing a new examination platform which will provide for increased focus on digital learning.

Please note: since the Covid pandemic reached the UK, the ABPI has successfully undertaken virtual onboarding of several interns.

Project offered

Following on from previous successful PIPS internships for other projects, we are once again, seeking a PIPS student to apply their scientific and project management experience in an examinations and education context.

This 12 week project seeks to contribute to the development of the online ABPI Medical Representatives Examination learning materials. The output of the project will be the successful delivery of the newly formatted exam learning content which will be important in maintaining integrity of the industry as the world continues to move to remote learning. The online resources will significantly support our candidates on their learning journey.

The applicant will be expected to support the ABPI Education and Examinations Executive with development through liaising with internal teams, external providers, and the ABPI Exam Governance Committee and Exam Steering Group. Alongside this role, there may be the opportunity for the applicant to contribute to updating and/or incorporating new material to the exam, and development of new qualifications.

The intern will be working within the Research, Medical & Innovation team and may also need to liaise with individuals within ABPI member companies. Should there be any opportunities for attendance at internal meetings or on pharmaceutical site visits, the intern will be able to take advantage of these. Whilst we remain working remotely, opportunity for face-to-face contact will be minimal, however there will be many virtual opportunities to engage with members.

The successful applicant can expect to have a supervisor who will meet regularly for virtual guidance and support at the current time, with potential face-to-face meetings depending on Government guidance in relation to covid and company policy.

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 3 2021. We anticipate the project to run for 12 weeks. This is a contract for Monday to Friday 9-5pm, with a one hour lunch break.

Location

The project is currently entirely remote working. There may be some scope for days at the ABPI office, 105 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QT, dependant on Covid developments.  All IT equipment required to undertake the project will be supplied to you.

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

Normally we would reimburse modest travel expenses however, we are currently working remotely. If during the project you are required to travel to our offices in London Victoria or to a pharmaceutical site visit, travel expenses and reasonable lunch expenses will be fully reimbursed.

Applications

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 27th April 2021.  Should you have any questions prior to applying, these should be sent to Alice Coburn, Education Executive, ABPI (acoburn@abpi.org.uk).

 

Exploring the science behind everyday plants- Daffodils

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Somehow it’s March again and, with the unseasonably warm weather, many flowers are already making an appearance. One of my personal favourites are daffodils, with their bright flowers bringing some colour to early spring.

A field of daffodils growing in Cornwall

The Latin name for this genus is Narcissus and it’s often linked to the Greek myth of the youth falling in love with his own reflection. It’s said that the nodding flowers represent him staring into the pool. However, there is no evidence that this was the original intention of the name, with Pliny writing that it was in fact derived from “narkao”- I grow numb, in reference to the intoxicating fragrance of some of the Greek species. In the modern world these plants are mostly used for decorative purposes, but they have a few chemical surprises up their sleeves!

Read moreExploring the science behind everyday plants- Daffodils

The Babraham Institute – Tech Transfer and Innovation – apply anytime

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Babraham Institute logo

Remote working opportunity

About the organisation

The Babraham Institute undertakes world-leading research into understanding the biology of how our bodies work, including what changes as we age and during disease. Our research is split into three programmes: Epigenetics, Signalling, and Immunology, and is supported by strategic programme grants from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) with additional funding from research councils, the EU and charities.

Read moreThe Babraham Institute – Tech Transfer and Innovation – apply anytime

Qiagen – Placements Aug21-Sep22

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Qiagen logo

About the organisation

QIAGEN is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions to transform biological materials into valuable molecular insights. QIAGEN sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective molecular testing workflows. QIAGEN provides these workflows to more than 500,000 customers around the world. QIAGEN employ approximately 5,000 people in over 35 locations worldwide.
Our mission is to make improvements in life possible by enabling our customers to achieve outstanding success and breakthroughs in life sciences, applied testing, pharma and molecular diagnostics.
Our commitment to the markets, customers and patients we serve drives our innovation and leadership in all areas where our Sample to Insight technologies are required. The exceptional talent, skill and passion of our employees are key to QIAGEN’s excellence, success and value.

Website: https://www.qiagen.com/us/

Where

QIAGEN Manchester Ltd
Skelton House
Lloyd Street North
Manchester
M15 6SH

NB You may need to enquire about remote-working depending on the coronovirus lockdown rules and organisational structures in place at the time of applying.

Project outline

In QIAGEN Manchester we focus on delivering solutions which facilitate personalised
healthcare.  You will join a highly motivated team working on developing Molecular diagnostic PCR based assays.  Duties that will be required:

  • Design, plan and perform studies for individual research project to support the
    development of new diagnostic products
  • Ensuring that experiments are completed to the required quality and regulatory
    standards
  • Analyse and present results in written reports
  • Working as part of the product development team to ensure a safe and efficient
    laboratory environment

Essential Skills

  • University degree and currently completing a PhD in a relevant field
  • Experience in molecular biology (PCR, RT-PCR, primer design, NGS)
  • Good analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Planning and problem solving
  • Positive attitude and self-motivated

Skills Developed during Placement

  • Working experience in a professional environment
  • Experience in new molecular biology techniques
  • Day to day work following quality and regulatory standards

How to apply

Submit your application to the following contacts at QIAGEN:
James Curran (James.Curran@qiagen.com)
Clement Larcher (Clement.Larcher@qiagen.com)
Brandon Foster (Brandon.Foster@qiagen.com)
(please include the following in email subject: PhD placement – “your name”)

Possible timeframe: flexible between August 2021 to September 2022

No. of placements offered: flexible

Sense About Science – Public engagement – apply anytime

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Sense about Science logo

About the organisation

Website: http://www.senseaboutscience.eu/

Sense about Science’s Dublin office is providing an exciting opportunity for a volunteer intern who has a keen interest in science communication. The successful candidate’s role as intern would involve organising events, building of the Voice of Young Science (VoYS) network and communicating with scientists, citizens, the media and civil society organisations.

Sense about Science’s Dublin office focuses on building the VoYS network in Europe, and working with research groups through public engagement partnerships. Voice of Young Science is the growing network of dynamic early career researchers who are trained, motivated and committed to communicating about research. VoYS was started by Sense about Science in the UK and has grown into a supportive international network. Members meet at our Standing up for Science workshops where they are trained in engaging with policy makers and the media, challenging misrepresentation of research and, ultimately, standing up for science in public life.

Sense about Science is a small team working with thousands of supporters, from world leading researchers to community groups. It is a diverse band of people who share the goal of better representation of evidence in public life, and it is growing.

Our primary areas of focus are:

  • Promoting the scientific method.
  • Tackling systematic misrepresentation of science and evidence.
  • Championing the use of evidence for better, more accountable policies.
  • Talking about difficult issues.

What we do:

  • We challenge the misrepresentation of science and evidence in public life and intervene when necessary, in partnership with others, to hold those responsible to account.
  • We encourage the public to ask for evidence, offering insight into how to analyse evidence and ask the right questions. And we encourage researchers and decision makers to talk about evidence, particularly when it is controversial or difficult.
  • We press for openness and honest reporting and challenge intimidation.

What you will bring

We are looking for an intern from April 2021 (flexible start dates throughout 2021) to be based in Dublind (initially remote-working), with the following skills:

• University degree

• Some years of research experience

• Fluent in English

• Strong interest in public engagement

• Candidates should be familiar with and share the Voice of Young Science (VoYS) ethos of taking responsibility in discussions about evidence in public life.

What you will do

  • Assistance in organising Standing up for Science workshops.
  • Assistance in public engagement partnerships – involving patients and the public in co-creation workshops, assisting in organising events.
  • Content creation – assisting in producing social media posts and Voice of Young Science newsletters.
  • Represent Sense about Science EU at networking events.
  • General support of the EU office: contact management, communication, monitoring of evidence use in EU affairs.

When

This internship opportunity is available from April 2021 onwards. The start date is flexible and we recruit for interns on a rolling basis through the year.

Where

Remote-working until further notice.  For the Dublin office.

Daily work pattern

Flexi-time but generally 9 am – 5 pm.  Potential working pattern: full-time, total hours per week approx. 35, with some evening events.  2 days per month granted as leave.

Contact

Ilaina Khairulzaman

Head of International Public Engagement, Training and Marketing

Sense about Science

Email: ilaina@senseaboutscience.org

Tel: +353 83 450 9758

How to apply

To apply, express interest to Ilaina Khairulzaman – contact details above – to arrange a video interview

Deadline

No fixed deadline; rolling programme of applications throughout 2021

Lifebit – AI – Apply anytime

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Lifebit logo

Lifebit is a UK based start-up that specialises in bioinformatics software and AI.  We have hosted BBSRC-DTP PIPs students in the past and are looking to host more PIPs students in 2021.

We are currently fully remote-working, so there will be no need for students to travel. We are looking to host students from April 2021 for the foreseeable future. We also have flexibility if students wish to break up the internship into two parts.

For further details about the company and the internship, click the button below:

Download flyer here

How to apply

Send your CV & a short explanation of why you are applying to: tom@lifebit.ai
There is no deadline as such but Lifebit is looking for interns to start from April 2021 onwards in the first instance.

Contact

Tom Sharrock

AI Engagement Manager | Lifebit

Mindspace – 9 Appold St, Hackney, London EC2A 2AP

Email: tom@lifebit.ai

Exploring the science behind everyday plants- Chocolate!

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In 2017 it was estimated that the global chocolate market was worth approximately 103 billion USD and it is expected to continue growing! Certainly, I suspect many of us have been consuming more of it than we normally would over the past year so let’s have a closer look at the science of Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is derived.

Cacao pods at different stages of ripeness

Read moreExploring the science behind everyday plants- Chocolate!

Remote PIPS placements with Catriona Walker

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Catriona Walker is a third year PhD student at the University of Leeds with Tom Bennett. Her research focuses on the roles of phytohormones in the control of carpic dominance and the end of flowering. Carpic dominance is the process whereby developing seeds exhibit dominance over newer seeds, with results varying from mild (a decrease in fruit size) to severe (total inhibition of fruit development). This process acts as a significant limit on yield, as it occurs in situations even where resources are not limiting. Similarly, the end of flowering signifies the final point at which seed and fruits can develop and as such is also a large limiting factor to yield.

She carried out her PIPs placement remotely, during the first lockdown of 2020, with the plant science journal, New Phytologist.

Read moreRemote PIPS placements with Catriona Walker

Top tips for designing a research poster

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While 2020 was an unprecedented year for conferences, 2021 looks to be no different. With conferences going virtual, such as the WRDTP symposium in December, many of you may have had the opportunity to present a poster in this unique style but there are a whole host of upcoming opportunities to show off your research this year.

But how do you design and present a great poster?

In this blog we give a run-down of our top tips for your poster presentation and, in case you missed it, a summary of the ‘Research poster workshop’ hosted by Dr Emily Goodall, part of the monthly online skills sessions for WRDTP students back in November.

Read moreTop tips for designing a research poster

Popular science books to get you through 2021

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With another lockdown underway many of us have much less time in our labs than we would wish and it looks as though this could continue for some time! So, to help take people’s minds off of all the doom and gloom we’ve put together this list of popular science books for some escapism (or not, topic dependent, we take no responsibility if the escapism isn’t sufficient!). Whether you’re looking to read more in your own field or something totally new, I’m sure there’s something for everyone here. Please try and support your local bookstore where you can!

Read morePopular science books to get you through 2021

LAMP COVID testing York-Deadline: ASAP

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University of York logo

An internship the new LAMP testing facility at the University of York is available for BBSRC White Rose DTP students. The placement will be 3 days a week for 12 weeks with a flexible start date.

What you will do

This internship will enable you to play a key part in the national effort in fighting Covid-19 by directly supporting the NHS in delivering a scaled-up and rapid testing service. The skills you will gain will look great on your CV: you will gain insight into the how clinical labs and industry interact to set up and deliver a critical service. Aspects of the placement may include logistics, administration, public engagement, as well as undertaking lab techniques. Although the post may have highly repetitive elements, the attention to detail throughout this placement will be critical.

What you will gain

Reproducibility in science is of central importance for medical research, and this experience will demonstrate your competence when applying for future positions. In addition, an opportunity to apply for and gain competency certification from GENQA  and Joint Covid-19 Certificate of Completion from IBMS upon application and completing a competency based assessment.

Download the standard Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this placement to see more detail about what you will be doing:

PIPS-MOU-Template-2020-12-11

There is also a standard health and safety checklist:

PIPS-Host-Health and Safety Checklist-2020-12-11

NB Contact Sophie Thompson as below before you complete any of the paperwork.

How to apply

To apply, please email Sophie Thompson m.s.thompson@york.ac.uk with your name, your supervisors’ names, which university you are attending and what year you are currently in. Indicate the dates you are available to start and any other details you think are relevant.

Please copy Phil Lang phil.lang@york.ac.uk  and your supervisors.

 

CambioScience – Deadline: apply anytime

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Remote-working opportunity – Flexible deadline

Overview of CamBioScience

CamBioScience is the life sciences brand within OBRIZUM X, a division of the OBRIZUM GROUP LTD. CamBioScience is a premium global provider of education and educational technology founded in Cambridge by life science researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK. Working with world-leading experts we provide intensive training courses and conferences in a broad spectrum of emerging and established life science technologies for academic and industry professionals. In-Person courses and conferences take place in various locations around the world including the United Kingdom, Austria, South Korea, and China.

Contact

Michelle Ware

email: michelle@cambioscience.com

Tel: 07791481346

OBRIZUM GROUP LTD.

Unit 3 Duke’s Court

54-62 Newmarket Road,

Cambridge, UK

CB5 8DZ

Project Outline

Interns will be involved in self-guided training course development.  Activities will include:

– Collating and arranging content for on-demand digital courses through our e-learning platform OBRIZUM®

– Writing material for the website, for marketing purposes and for social media

– Provide support with the promotion of the courses

– Designing questions for the course exams

– Hosting webinars

Essential Skills

 – Scientific background

– Highly Organised

– Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written

– Excellent project management skills

– Ability to work in a team

Skills Developed

The student will gain a greater understanding for how scientific events are be run. By the end of their internship, they will be confident with all aspects of organising a technical life-sciences course. Key skills developed include: sales, marketing, organisation, time-keeping and project management.

How to apply

The starts dates available are flexible.  Each placement will be 3 months (12 weeks).  There is no deadline for applications.  To apply, please  send a CV and covering letter to:  michelle@cambioscience.com

Until further notice, internships will take place remotely from home, with regular calls with the team.

Sense About Science – Deadline: 31 Jan21

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Sense about Science logo
Closing date: 5pm, Sunday 31st January 2021
 
At Sense about Science, we have new opportunities available for internships from Easter 2021 onwards. Our internships are currently running on a work-from-home basis in accordance with government guidelines, and this is likely to remain the case at least until Easter. We will review the situation thereafter as government advice changes. I would be grateful if you could advertise our internship opportunities to your early career cohorts via your normal channels and media.

Background 

Sense about Science is an independent campaigning charity that champions the public interest in sound science and ensures evidence is recognised in public life and policymaking. We challenge misrepresentation of science and evidence, advocate openness and honesty about research, and strive to open up socially or scientifically difficult issues where evidence is neglected, conflicting or misunderstood.

Description of the internship

An internship at Sense about Science is a very rewarding experience, as no two days are the same. It is a fulfilling way to work across communications, policy and public engagement and develop key professional skills and contacts that will serve you well in your future. Depending on the timing of your placement, you’ll be able to work on a number of projects and programmes:
  • Voice of Young Science: The opportunity to contribute to the organisation of a Voice of Young Science (VoYS) workshop and help to facilitate the event on the day. VoYS is a unique and dynamic network of early career researchers across Europe committed to playing an active role in public discussions about science. By responding to public misconceptions about science and evidence and engaging with the media, policymakers and the public, this active community of 3,000+ researchers is changing the way the public and the media view science and scientists. Members are trained to promote scientific questioning in society and take responsibility for improving the quality of discussion about research findings. Our Standing up for Science workshops equip researchers to engage with the public, journalists and policymakers – helping them to ask useful questions and put research findings and real-world events in context. Organising a workshop will give you the opportunity to develop organisational and communication skills and learn about effective public, policy and media engagement.
  • Evidence Week in Parliament: Evidence Week is our flagship policy event where we bring together MPs, researchers and community groups to discuss the case that evidence matters to people. They share knowledge and insights that will help politicians to scrutinise evidence. The week involves events and briefings, as well as evidence stands that parliamentarians can visit. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in evidence-based policymaking, as you will have the inside track into the organisation of Evidence Week. You will have opportunities to engage directly with MPs and policy advisers. In 2020, this event is going ahead as an online event in November. In 2021, you will work closely with the policy manager to organise Evidence Week, with the senior communications officer to deliver the communications programme around Evidence Week, and with the team to effectively deliver the events in the summer. It is an opportunity to develop organisational and communication skills.
  • John Maddox Prize: The John Maddox Prize recognises the work of individuals who promote science and evidence, advancing the public discussion around difficult topics despite challenges or hostility. The prize is a joint initiative of Sense about Science and the leading international scientific journal Nature. The prize has been awarded annually since 2012 to researchers who have shown great courage and integrity in standing up for science and scientific reasoning against fierce opposition and hostility. Each year there is one winner, and an additional prize for an early career researcher. You will contribute towards compiling nominations and working with the team to shortlist nominations, ready for the judging to take place in the autumn. It is an opportunity to learn organisational and evaluation skills, and get to know the work of some amazing researchers around the world who are striving to stand up for science and evidence.

Essential skills

  • Ability to identify and use initiative to solve problems
  • Ability to organise and prioritise work
  • A flair for clear, engaging writing
  • Friendly manner
  • Candidates should be familiar with and share the Sense about Science ethos regarding the public interest in sound science and evidence

Other details and how to apply

We typically have at least two interns in our London office. Our standard offer is three months (a good fit for PIPS), but we are occasionally able to be flexible down to a minimum of two months.
Work-from-home arrangements will remain in place until government advice changes, and we can provide a laptop if you need one.
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills match the requirements to Dr Hamid Khan, Senior Partnerships Coordinator: hamid@senseaboutscience.org
 
Closing date: 5pm, 31 January 2021

Contact

Dr Hamid Khan
Senior partnerships coordinator
email: hamid@senseaboutscience.org

www.senseaboutscience.org | @senseaboutsci | Facebook

2 Stephen St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1AN | +44 (0)20 7490 9590  

Singer Instruments – rolling deadline

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Singer are now looking to fulfill placements for 3 month periods from May 2020 onwards.

Note: There is a rolling deadline for applications.  However, certain times of year are more competitive than others, and early application is suggested to avoid disappointment.

Project summary

The Research team aims to use Science! to achieve “A Responsibility to Science”. This means actively enquiring, and devising experiments that prove that our equipment facilitates, automates and accelerates scientific research – more so these experiments should be rigorous enough to reveal truth, free from investigator bias.

Project outline

Singer Instruments is a fast paced SME environment. As such projects are subject to change as
required by business need. Generally speaking, each project includes:

  • Working with a robotic instrument to test its capabilities and investigate its restrictions.
    Previous examples involve producing bioart with colony pickers, investigating the use of
    fluorescent strains, and testing new detection algorithms.
  • Collaborating with Engineering and Software on numerous projects, gaining and consulting
    with expertise. This has involved; coming up with hardware and software solutions to
    problems, QC of brand new software packages and production spec machines and also
    affecting the look, feel and function of new products.
  • A desk based research piece. This is usually heavily tied to new product development, and hence tends to be the most secretive. Previous examples have included market research, as well as investigating how scientists perform work, and how this may change in the future.

Essential skills

  • An independent working style.
  • A robust approach to reporting.
  • Flexibility to sudden project changes based on business need.
  • Adherence to non-disclosure agreements, as projects can include valuable prototypes and intellectual property.
  • It should be noted that no knowledge of engineering, software development or marketing is required. However, if the student does have an appropriate background, and wishes to investigate these skills further, cross departmental projects can be arranged.

Skills that will be developed

  • Project Management
  • Working heavily with robotic laboratory equipment, from early development prototypes to market ready instruments.
  • Cross departmental communication (Software, Engineering, Marketing)
  • Industry research processes.

Number of Placements Offered

Singer Instruments has a rolling intake of internships. It is usual for the Research team to have one intern at any one time. However this is subject to change based on project requirements. A
maximum of 2 internships could be offered simultaneously within the Research team.

Possible Timeframe

A three month block is the usual placement mode, flexibility can be considered in special
cases. Certain times of year are more competitive than others, and early application is
suggested to avoid disappointment.

Note: Certain times of year are more competitive than others, and early application is suggested to avoid disappointment.

Lead Contact

Dr. Oliver Jack Severn


Email: Oliver@singerinstruments.com


Tel:(0) 1984 640226

How to apply

Please apply through the Singer website at: www.singerinstruments.com/jobs/

CambioScience – educational technology – rolling deadline

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Brand new PIPS opportunity – offered for the first time in Jan 2020! 

Overview of CambioScience

CamBioScience is a brand of the OBRIZUM GROUP LTD, an educational technology company founded in Cambridge, UK, by life science researchers from the University of Cambridge.  The Courses & Conferences Department works with world-leading experts to provide intensive training courses and conferences in breakthrough life science technologies for academic and industry professionals.  CamBioScience offers both in-person and online training courses.  In 4 years, 800 scientists have been trained from over 80 leading academic and industrial institutions from more than 30 countries worldwide.

Project outline 

The intern will be required to help with the day-to-day logistics for upcoming courses. The internship will be flexible depending on the needs of the department at the time and interests of the intern.  Activities can include:

  • Designing social media campaigns
  • Provide support for setting up course practical sessions
  • Provide support during the delivery of a course
  • Put together content for department collaterals
  • Organise contact databases
  • Involvement in the sales of course registrations

The intern will also have the opportunity to be involved in the design of a new scientific course alongside the Head of Courses & Conferences.

Essential skills required 

  • Scientific background
  • Highly Organised
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Ability to work in a team

Skills you will develop

You will gain a greater understanding for how scientific events are run. By the end of the internship, you will be confident with all aspects of organising a technical life-sciences course. Key skills to be developed include organisation, sales, marketing, problem-solving and project management.

Placement location

CambioScience

OBRIZUM GROUP LTD

Unit 3 Duke’s Court
54-62 Newmarket Road,
Cambridge, UK
CB5 8DZ

When

The placement will be for a block of three months (12 weeks).  The start date is flexible.

Contact

For informal enquiries, contact Michelle Ware, Head of Courses and Conferences

T: +44(0)7791481346
T: +44(0)1223 470647 (UK, Headquarters)
E: michelle@cambioscience.com

How to apply

There is a rolling deadline.  If you are interested, apply by sending a CV and cover letter to: michelle@cambioscience.com 

TTP plc – Rolling deadline

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The space to invent.

Background

TTP is an independent technology company where scientists and engineers collaborate to invent, design and develop new products and technologies.

Working across a wide spectrum of industries, we create breakthrough solutions that bring strong commercial value to clients and the benefits of technology to all.

Website: https://www.ttp.com/

Internship description

We are always happy to hear from PhD students and Post-Doc researchers who are looking to undertake an internship.

As a technology consultancy, we work across a wide range of industries, from healthcare, to industrial technology, to aerospace & defence (to name just a few). An internship here will see you working within one of these sectors, putting your technical and research skills to work within a commercially focused context. Whilst you can expect to develop your existing skill-sets, you will find yourself growing in new ways: interacting with clients, seeing how business operates and being a valuable contributing member to multi-disciplinary teams. This is the opportunity for you to see how your academic knowledge and skill-sets could be used within an industry setting.

As a postgraduate student/researcher, your placement will be shaped around a project – this could be an internal TTP project, or one of our current external client-focused projects – and the process of concluding what this should be is very much a two-way one. We are interested to hear what your interests and skill-sets are, and this will form part of a conversation throughout the application process so that we can determine what project(s) may be a good fit. Of course, once here, there is scope for engaging in work occurring throughout TTP and having as varied an experience as possible – in fact, such collaboration and involvement is very much encouraged.

Requirements

We would be able to accommodate internships for individuals who are, broadly, within the following disciplines: Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical/Electronics, Software, Aerospace), Physics, Mathematics, Biology/Life Sciences.

As a consultancy, we can’t always be sure exactly what we’ll be working on 6 months down the line, and for that reason, we can’t guarantee we will always be able to accommodate you as an intern. However, at a minimum, we will always consider your application and investigate the possibility. We are open to applications year-round and the dates of any placement can be discussed on an individual basis; in general we do, however, have a slight preference for postgraduate internships to occur outside of the busy summer months (July-August) when we host a high number of undergraduates.

Benefits

TTP is an employee-owned business operating from pleasant surroundings on our own Science Park in Melbourn, South Cambridgeshire. Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas and technical collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work. Employee benefits include:

  • 25 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays (annual leave is pro on a pro rata basis if here for less than a year)
  • Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre
  • Private Medical Insurance (depending on length of internship)
  • Cycle to Work scheme (depending on length of internship)

Contact

Rebecca Bradley I University Interactions & Outreach Liaison

Email: Rebecca.Bradley@ttp.com

Tel: +44 1763 262626

Feel free to contact Rebecca with any queries or for an informal discussion in advance of applying.

How to apply

There is a rolling deadline therefore you can apply anytime.  However, please do not delay, as there will be lots of competition for these placements.  Application is via an on-line form.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

TU Delft – Science Communication & Research Data Management – Apply anytime

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Exciting BBSRC PIP opportunities are now available at TU Delft (Netherlands) – For students that are looking for placements in science communication and research data management.

Remote working: Both these internships can be offered for someone willing to work remotely.  (Re-location to the Netherlands for the internship period is not necessary).

Upcoming internship projects @ TU Delft:

1.   FAIR Support Team – case study development

Funders and policy makes increasingly require researchers to make their data and research code FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable. Most researchers, however, do not know how to do it or where to get started. Therefore, in September 2020 TU Delft is launching its FAIR Support Team pilot. The FAIR Support Team is a pool of Data Managers and Research Software Engineers available ‘for hire’ (at no cost) by researchers to help them make their work more FAIR.

The purpose of this internship is to develop case studies which will help to evaluate the pilot. You will interview researchers who receive support of the FAIR Support Team, as well as Team members, who are providing this support. Subsequently, based on the interviews, you will develop case studies. The case studies will be published on the website advertising the service, as well as dedicated blog posts on the Open Working blog.

The intern will also have an opportunity to present their work at meetings and conferences, and, if there is interest, to summarise their work in a peer-reviewed publication.

This internship will help develop various interpersonal skills, such as networking, communication, writing, presentation, talking & listening; as well as an opportunity to better understand how a large, research-intensive organisation works.

2.   Top 10 FAIR things – community building and writing sprints

Funders and policy makes increasingly require researchers to make their data and research code FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable. Most researchers, however, do not know how to do it or where to get started. Therefore, TU Delft would like to help research communities develop short, disciplinary guidelines on how to make things FAIR in the format of ‘10 FAIR Things’.

The purpose of the internship is to help research communities develop such guidelines. To do this, you will work with Data Champions community of TU Delft, the University of Cambridge, EPFL and the University of Melbourne to decide on three priority disciplines where such guidelines are most needed. Subsequently, you will organise writing sprints during which these guidelines will be produced. The guidelines will be offered for publication to the Carpentry organisation and for endorsement by the Research Data Alliance (international organisations for global cooperation on data and code management practices).

The intern will also have an opportunity to present their work at meetings and conferences, and, if there is interest, to summarise their work in a peer-reviewed publication.

This internship will help develop various interpersonal skills, such as networking, communication, organisation, presentation, leadership skills; as well as an opportunity to develop international networks and collaborations.

For more information

BBSRC student Clare Constance, who undertook her PIP at TU Delft last summer, is more than happy to chat with students about these opportunities and her personal experience of working with the team 🙂 (constance.clare1@nottingham.ac.uk).

Deadline and how to apply

To apply, contact Marta Teperek at m.teperek@tudelft.nl

Closing dates – The projects are flexible with no immediate deadlines.  Students can negotiate a start date and organise remote working arrangements with Marta.

Oxford University Innovation Licensing & Ventures – Deadline: open call

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Oxford University Innovation new logo

Oxford University Innovation (OUI) is the technology transfer company of Oxford University.

Oxford University Innovation has created a new and exciting internship opportunity. Interns in our Licensing & Ventures Group will work alongside members of the core team in the management of projects, assisting with other activities in the Licensing & Ventures Group and enabling the transfer of as much technology as possible from Oxford University.  For further information: 

Click here to download PDF, including video links

How to apply

This is an open call with no specific deadline.  If you are interested, please send a CV with accompanying letter stating relevant experience and interests to Brendan.Ludden@innovation.ox.ac.uk.  During the significant disruption caused by COVID-19, the current programme is expected to be largely home-based and will be subject to UK government guidance on safe working practices.

 

#thescienceofcooking – How to make the best roast potatoes!

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It’s time to hang up your lab coats and don the festive jumpers! Christmas is just around the corner and for many of you, it will be a very different, smaller occasion this year. Whether it is now your responsibility to cook a big roast dinner, you’d like to try something new in the kitchen or you simply want to find out why  roast potatoes are so great – this blog post will be for you!

This week our guest writer, festive foodie Scientist and 1st year WRDTP student, Emma White is ready to give you the low down on some of the science behind cooking those delicious crispy Roasties.

Crispy roast potatoes are among the UK’s favourite traditional foods.

Read more#thescienceofcooking – How to make the best roast potatoes!

Exploring the science behind everyday plants- Norway Pine

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It’s that time of year again! Many of you are probably putting up Christmas trees this weekend- some real, some fake. If you’re using a real tree there’s a good chance it could be an immature Norway spruce, Picea abies. This is the same species of tree used for the Rockefeller Christmas tree each year but yours probably isn’t 75 ft tall!

The less than amused owl found in the 2020 Rockfeller Christmas tree

Read moreExploring the science behind everyday plants- Norway Pine

Life after the thesis! An interview with WRDTP alumni Dr. Naomi Cox

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This year, Naomi completed her PhD at the University of Sheffield. Her project focused on rice leaf development, looking in to when the leaf pattern is set, and how the final mature leaf develops from undifferentiated cells. After being awarded her PhD in August, Naomi is now working as a trainee clinical bioinformatician at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr. Naomi Cox

Read moreLife after the thesis! An interview with WRDTP alumni Dr. Naomi Cox