Science Policy Intern

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has a great opportunity for a Science Policy Intern to work with us, based at either our Cambridge office or home-based within the UK, in line with Covid-19 guidance. We can be flexible to accommodate your studies, as long as you are available for 28 – 35 hours per week, over four – five weekdays for six months, and able to start by May 2021.

The RSC’s purpose is ‘to advance excellence in the chemical sciences’. One way we do this is by using evidence to persuade decision-makers (like members of Parliament and the Government) on issues that affect the chemical sciences – or where science plays an important part.

As our Science Policy Intern - Evidence, you will help us to do this by analysing a range of data and drawing conclusions from it, to help convince decision-makers of the need for action. You will also deliver a project to expand and consolidate our reference sources of evidence.

Our science policy activities cover issues that affect chemistry research and innovation and issues where the chemical sciences play an important role in informing decisions. You will be part of a team working on some of the hottest topics such as the UK’s future scientific relationships and science policy following EU exit, immigration, education, science and infrastructure funding, climate change and industrial strategy. With COP26 to be held in Glasgow in Nov 2021 there will be the opportunity to support our work highlighting chemistry’s role in achieving net zero emissions.

We are looking for:

Essential:

• A first degree in a relevant subject (STEM, politics/public policy, economics or similar) with a good academic track record i.e. either a 2:1 or above, or expected to achieve this.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry, with at least GCSE chemistry or equivalent and ideally A-Level/ Scottish Higher or equivalent.
• Excellent understanding of numerical and statistical data and methods for analysing it and presenting it in clear and accurate ways.
• Strong research skills, in particular, the ability to find, understand and evaluate information relevant to solving a given problem, drawing and explaining conclusions from that.
• Strong oral and written communication skills – in particular, the ability to summarise key points from a discussion clearly in writing in a timely manner, to make clear requests of others and negotiate politely where necessary.
• Interest in Government, Parliament and public policy that affects science.
• Able to use the MS Office suite easily to produce documents, analyse data, collaborate with others (including Word, PowerPoint and Excel). 

Desirable:

• PhD in a relevant subject, or due to complete this.
• Experience of, or involvement in, public policy work.
• Ability to scan information for relevance to a given topic or problem.
• Previous work experience relevant to the role, whether in a company, charity, government department or other employer. 
• Familiarity with climate science or low carbon technologies. 

If you are interested in this great opportunity, please apply before the end of our closing date and include your availability in your application.

Download the full job description here.