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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 at: https://www.york.ac.uk/physics-engineering-technology/outreach/.
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 and astrophysics on the physics side, and on electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and robotics on the engineering side. Current and planned activities include: a space science programme centred around the University observatory, the Astrocampus, including astronomy and robotics; the FIRST LEGO League Challenge; fusion activities, including the Sundome (an inflatable dome showing content about fusion technologies); nuclear physics masterclasses for the nationally recognised Binding Blocks project, including development of new content around nuclear medicine; virtual reality workshops; and a new project to engage young people with supercomputing.
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 volunteers; contributing to the production of publicity materials including web pages, social media and newsletters; and helping to evaluate activities to gauge their impact.
Please note there are two roles available.
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: 9 October 2024
For informal enquiries: please contact pet-outreach@york.ac.uk or call 01904 32 2408
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
York is one of the most successful universities in the UK.
With world-class activity across the spectrum from the physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences to the humanities, we have been recognised as one of the top 100 universities in the world, gaining outstanding results in official assessments of our research and teaching.