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Join the ICRAR Communications team for a paid internship in summer 2020/2021.

ICRAR’s Communications, Outreach, Media and Education team are a group of professional science communicators with decades of experience in the field. Working within the team at ICRAR, the Astrofest Science Communication intern will be part of the organisation, planning, logistics and delivery of a large scale science communication event in Perth.

Having celebrated its 11th year in 2020, Astrofest won a WA Science Award last year and is looking forward to another Astrofest on February 20th 2021.  Astrofest is coordinated by ICRAR on behalf of Astronomy WA, the collective of astronomy communication, education and outreach organisations across Western Australia. ICRAR works closely with Scitech, Curtin University, CSIRO and the University of Western Australia in the coordination of Astrofest.

Learn more about Astrofest

your Key Attributes

You will have:

  • A demonstrated interest in science communication (either through study, work or volunteering).
  • A willingness to learn, as well as complete professional learning and other training.
  • An interest in science events and large-scale science communication.
  • The ability to work within a fast-paced environment with a diverse team of volunteers and colleagues.
  • A passion for astronomy is desirable.

the opportunity

The successful Astrofest Science Communication intern will work within the communications team at ICRAR, directly supervised by the Astrofest Coordinator. Through the internship, as well as formal training and professional learning opportunities, you will develop your skills in:

  • Basic graphics editing using the Adobe Creative Suite of programs.
  • Project Management.
  • Event Management.
  • Event budgeting and finances.
  • Volunteer management.
  • Networking and stakeholder liaison.
  • Event documentation, policy and procedure development.

You will also receive up to $7,600 over the 12 week internship (10 weeks work and a 2 week paid Christmas break), paid in fortnightly instalments. Past interns have also received course credit from their university, but you will need to investigate that possibility.

Application Procedure

Apply online now

Applications are due November 4th, 2020.

All applications must include:

The successful applicants are expected to begin in late November/early December and work for 10 weeks (not including a two-week Christmas break) through to the end of February/early March 2020.

Any questions about the Astrofest Science Communication Internship or application procedures can be sent to education@icrar.org.

Please address all applications to the Astrofest Coordinator Gregory Rowbotham at education@icrar.org.

Timeline

  • October: Applications open
  • Wednesday November 4th: Applications Close
  • By early November: Offer made
  • late November/early December: Internship begins
  • December 18-January 6: Christmas Break
  • February 20th 2021: Astrofest event
  • February/early March 2021: Internship ends

Award Conditions

  1. Applicants must be students currently studying at a Western Australian educational institution. Preference will be given to 3rd year students and above, including honours, masters and PhD, but all currently enrolled students are welcome to apply.
  2. Internships will run for approximately 10 weeks of work during the period late November 2020 to February 2021, although dates for the internships are negotiable. Students are expected to start on the first day of the studentship program unless extenuating circumstances apply.
  3. The internship is for up to $7,600 per student, paid in fortnightly instalments for the duration of the internship, including over the two-week Christmas break (10 weeks total work, 12 weeks total pay).
  4. Students must be studying at a West Australian educational institution and not have held a science communication internship with ICRAR in the past.
  5. Interns may give a presentation on their work during their internship. There may be other formal requirements which will be made clear to the intern throughout the program.
  6. Interns will be expected to maintain a high level of attendance throughout the duration of the internship and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
  7. The successful intern must be available on the day of Astrofest 2021, Saturday February 20th, from approximately 11:00am to 11:00pm. Some out of business hours work may also be required during the course of the internship for Astrofest committee meetings, held approximately every 4-6 weeks.