Science Policy Intern

The Royal Society of Chemistry has a great opportunity for a Science Policy Intern to work with us at our Cambridge or London office. We are flexible, as long as you are available for 28 – 35 hours per week, over four – five weekdays for six months, and able to start in the new year by mid-February 2022.

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, 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, chemicals policy, environment, science and infrastructure funding, climate change and industrial strategy.

We are looking for:

• A first degree or higher in a relevant subject with a good academic track record (i.e. either a 2:1 or above, or expected to achieve this), with a basic knowledge of chemistry (i.e. at least GCSE chemistry or equivalent and ideally A-Level/ Scottish Higher or equivalent).
• 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, with the ability to scan information for relevance to a given topic or problem.
• 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).  

The contractual base for this role is our Cambridge or London office, however we are currently piloting hybrid working, and you may be able to work from a location other than this, as agreed with your line manager.  Applicants should be aware that there is an expectation that employees will attend the offices as needed for their role, and that working arrangements away from the office may not be agreed in the future.

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.