Graduate Intern for Physics and Engineering Outreach

Role Description

Department

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology (PET) has a proven track record of effective outreach. There is an extensive and highly successful programme of activities and events that engage school students and members of the public through both face-to-face and online activities. Further information is available here.

Role

Are you a recent graduate in physics or engineering (or related joint honours)? Do you have a passion for communicating your subject and enthusing the next generation of physicists and engineers?  This role is a one-year internship in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) communication. You will be mentored to develop your skills by the Outreach Manager for the School of PET, as well as by academic project leads.

You will play a key role in the delivery of activities and will be involved in a range of initiatives, focusing on nuclear physics, fusion, AI, robotics, and space science and astronomy. Two intern posts allow activities to be tailored to the skills and interests of the successful applicant. 

Current and planned activities include: the ‘Safe Space’ programme - multi-sensory, space-themed activities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities; the FIRST LEGO League Challenge; fusion activities, including the Sundome (an inflatable dome showing content about fusion technologies); and nuclear physics masterclasses for the nationally recognised Binding Blocks project..

Your role will include delivering activities for young people and the general public to enthuse and inspire them; supporting the organisation of key events – both online and in-person; working with researchers to develop activities around their research areas; assisting with training undergraduate ambassadors; contributing to the production of publicity materials including web pages, social media and newsletters; and helping to evaluate activities to gauge their impact.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will be a recent graduate in physics or engineering (or related joint honours). You will have a proactive and enthusiastic approach to work with excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You will have some experience of working with young people and communicating science or engineering to non-academic audiences. Good time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines are essential and you will have a professional and approachable manner. As many of the events are delivered away from the University campus, a driving licence would be an asset. Flexible working (some early mornings, late evenings and weekend work) is expected.

This appointment will be subject to a criminal record check at 'enhanced' level from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Interview date: Monday 6 July

Start date: 14 September 

For informal enquiries: please contact pet-outreach@york.ac.uk or call 01904 32 2408

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.