Graduate Intern - Physics Outreach

Role Description

Department

The University of York has established the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology (School of PET) that bring together existing strengths in the departments of Electronic Engineering and Physics and allows expansion into new areas.

Physics at York has a proven track record of effective outreach with an extensive and highly successful programme of activities and events, engaging 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/public-and-schools/.

Role

Are you a recent Physics graduate with a passion for communicating your subject and enthusing the next generation of scientists?  This role is a one-year internship in Physics outreach and science communication, where you will be mentored to develop your skills by the academic leads on Astronomy and Nuclear Physics outreach, as well as the Outreach Coordinator for the School of PET.   

This is an exciting time to join the Outreach team, as the activities currently offered by the Departments of Physics and Electronic Engineering combine to form a new flagship programme. You will play a key role in the delivery of activity and will be involved in a range of initiatives, with a focus on astronomy (https://astrocampus.york.ac.uk) and nuclear physics (www.york.ac.uk/physics/bindingblocks).

Your role will include delivering activities for young people and the general public to enthuse and inspire them with Physics; 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. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will be a recent graduate with a degree in Physics (or a joint honours with Physics) and a proactive and enthusiastic approach to work.  You will have 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 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. 

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.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Katherine Leech, School of PET Outreach Coordinator, on 01904 32 2209 or katherine.leech@york.ac.uk or pet-hr@york.ac.uk

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