Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

(ESO) Offers Internships in Science Journalism 2020


Wed 19 Feb 2020 | 07:50 PM
Wafaa Fayez

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is offering Internships: Science Journalism 2020.

The Media Relations Team within the Department of Communication is responsible for most of the public outreach activities of ESO. A wide range of programs and activities are used to meet the specific requirements of television, print and online media, such as press releases and broadcast material for the media.

The Department of Communication embraces a multimedia approach to public outreach and produces high-quality printed material such as brochures, books, annual reports, newsletters, and posters.

In ESO's Department of Communication, potential candidates will work with a team of professional science communicators for the preparation of ESO and ESA/Hubble news and photo releases, publications, web pages, video scripts, exhibition panels, and other public communication products.

Through the aspirants will get involved in various projects and with our support; they will have the opportunity to understand and learn:

  • About the mission of ESO and the role and responsibilities of the Department of Communication for its implementation;
  • How a large international scientific organization works in practice and in particular what are the workflows, processes, and procedures within the Department of Communication;
  • How to write about complex scientific issues in an engaging and understandable manner;
  • What is required to coordinate big events and projects;
  • How written text and audiovisuals can be combined to make science attractive and approachable to the public.

Requirements:

They are looking for people who want to gain experience in science communication of frontline astronomy projects.

The candidates should have some previous experience in written science communication/journalism in English and in particular communicating astronomy or other physical sciences to the public. They should also have a knowledge of astronomy that allows them to understand scientific papers. They must be fluent in English both written and oral and have strong MS Office application skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Candidates currently studying or having recently completed a university degree in science, science communication or science journalism, are preferred.

Competences:

Candidates should be able to:

  • Understand and translate scientific research into simple concepts and write about it to general audiences in an engaging and accurate manner;
  • Provide clear, concise and timely written and oral communications;
  • Work under time pressure and deliver to agreed deadlines and standards;
  • Work both on their own initiative and as part of a team;
  • Build good collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines.

Internship details:

Internship opportunities are offered throughout the year. The duration of the internship is initially for 3 months up to a maximum of 6 months. The organisation offers a monthly allowance to cover your living expenses and we provide accommodation. It also covers the cost of a return trip from/to your home station. For any further questions please contact [email protected].

Application:

Interested candidates in the organisation's internship opportunities are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and your CV. They can also upload two writing samples (each no more than 5 pages long) that demonstrate their ability to communicate science to a wider audience (e.g. blog posts, magazine or newspaper articles, press releases, etc). It is worth noting that only complete applications, with all required materials in English, will be accepted.