Graduate Intern for Physics Outreach

Department

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan bronze awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work, and have a proven track record of effective activities and events.

Role

Are you in the final year of a physics degree (or related joint honours) or are you a recent physics graduate? Do you have a passion for communicating your subject and enthusing the next generation of scientists? This role is a one-year internship in physics outreach and engagement, starting on 11 September 2023.

You will be involved in a range of initiatives, focused on astronomy (centred around the University observatory, the Astrocampus) and nuclear physics (the Binding Blocks programme). There is also scope to develop your own ideas, particularly around our new virtual reality project.

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; and helping to evaluate activities to gauge their impact. You will be mentored to develop your skills.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have a proactive and enthusiastic approach to work with excellent communication skills (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.

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

Interview date: Friday 28 April 2023

For informal enquiries: please contact the School of PET Outreach team on 01904 32 2209 or pet-outreach@york.ac.uk or School of PET HR atpet-hr@york.ac.uk.

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