Science Education and Public Engagement Trainee

Science Education and Public Engagement Trainee

EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement (SEPE) office leads and coordinates the institute’s science education programmes and public engagement efforts. Our activities are aimed at school science teachers, young learners between 10 and 19 years, and diverse public audiences. SEPE also offers support and training to EMBL scientists who have an interest in public engagement. SEPE is part of EMBL‘s International Centre for Advanced Training (EICAT).

To support the delivery of our programme, SEPE is looking to recruit a highly motivated university student or graduate to join the team as a science education and public engagement trainee at EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to gain experience in science engagement, communication and education in an international environment within a leading scientific infrastructure, and to make a real difference to our education and outreach programmes offered to young learners and teachers from around the globe.

You will join a diverse and friendly team of professionals and will be supported to expand your skill set and build valuable experience for your CV.

Successful candidates will be either a recent graduate or currently enrolled as a student at a university, preferably studying towards a postgraduate degree in an area related to science, science communication, communication studies, or event management. You should have a passion for communicating scientific research to diverse audiences and a strong interest in developing your professional skills in areas such as education, science communication, public engagement, event management, and project coordination. You enjoy engaging with a wide range of people, including young learners, teachers, scientists, and visitors and thrive in environments that foster interaction and shared curiosity.

The science education and public engagement trainee will report to a SEPE team member and will work closely with all colleagues in the Science Education and Public Engagement office.

Please note:

• Trainees are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own health insurance.

• For trainees from outside the EU, any visa-related costs will also need to be covered by the individual.

Working conditions

• Evening and weekend work may be required (e.g., to cover Open Saturdays in the World of Molecular Biology Exhibition).

Your role 

• Supporting the organisation, implementation and evaluation of events for young learners, teachers and the public in-person and online.

• Supporting the development of learning materials for young learners, teachers and colleagues.

• Writing engaging news features, content for web, newsletter and social media, and producing promotional material to enhance the visibility of the science education and public engagement programme to audiences worldwide.

• Assisting with administrative tasks to support the implementation of the science education programme, including organising meetings, maintaining databases, preparing presentations and reports.

You have 

• Native or near-native German language skills.

• Excellent working knowledge of written and spoken English.

• A team-player mindset, enjoying contributing to a collaborative work environment.

• Proactive attitude with strong self-organisation skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work on tasks with thoroughness and attention to detail.

You may also have

• Experience in teaching others, producing learning materials, or the ability to understand, and simplify and communicate complex scientific ideas.

• Experience in organising and facilitating events.

• Experience using digital media and digital workplace tools such as Zoom and Google Suite.

• Please include both a CV and a cover letter with your application.

Contract length

• Contract: initially for 6 months with the possibility to extend to up to a year.

Salary

• Salary: 1200€

Why join us

Do something meaningful
By choosing a Trainee/Internship at EMBL/EMBO, you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. Please watch the video below to learn more about EMBL and how our work makes a difference. Whatever your role, you will be contributing towards these challenges.

Campus life & benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Free shuttle bus to and from work (Hinxton & Heidelberg)

• On-site library

• Subsidised on-site cafeteria(s)

• Casual dress code

• Extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site nursery on campus

• Accident at work insurance
   

What else you need to know

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL/EMBO, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

24/08/2026.