12 weeks PIPS project 2021: Science Communication
Background information
The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.
Website: https://abpi.org.uk/#03c6c108
Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, we partner with organisations in the life sciences community and beyond to transform lives across the UK.
As part of ABPI’s work to communicate on the discovery, development, regulation and manufacture of medicines, we have an award-winning Resources for Schools website (https://www.abpischools.org.uk/) with interactive content and animations to support science teaching and learning for teachers and young people. The resources are in line with the curriculum, and many of them link topics studied in school to their application in industry and research. All our resources link science topics covered in school to the world outside and, particularly, to the treatment of disease.
Project offered
The ABPI is offering an exciting opportunity for a PIPS student to apply bioscience knowledge in a science communication context. In Quarter 3 2021, the ABPI will be launching a new schools’ website which will be aiming to broaden its audience from the existing regular user base.
This 12 week project centres around medicine development and the student will conduct online research and liaise with subject experts and other external stakeholders to produce written and interactive content which will inform on the research requirements for developing medicines and wider associated curriculum areas, whilst engaging a variety of audiences across the school education pathway.
The output of the project is expected to include:
- Specialised content to support the launch of the new ABPI schools’ website, focussing on areas of identified curriculum need
- Content for animations and diagrams for use on our award-winning schools’ website to support public engagement in schools
- Slide deck to support ABPI’s commitment to raising awareness of AMR across a variety of stakeholders
The student will be working within the Research, Medical & Innovation team and will liaise with colleagues across ABPI and within our member companies. Should there be any opportunities for attendance at internal meetings or on pharmaceutical site visits, the student will be able to take advantage of these.
The successful applicant can expect to have a supervisor who would meet regularly for virtual guidance and support at the current time, with potential face-to-face meetings depending on Government guidance in relation to Covid and company policy.
Timing
The exact timing can be confirmed with the successful applicant, though we would expect this to be undertaken with a start date in Quarter 2-3 2021. We anticipate the project to run for 12 weeks. This is a contract for Monday to Friday 9-5pm, with a one hour lunch break.
Location
The project is currently entirely remote working. There may be some scope for days at the ABPI office, 105 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QT, dependant on Covid developments. All IT equipment required to undertake the project will be supplied to you.
Benefits to student undertaking this project
This project is a great opportunity to gain and develop science communication experience, with similar projects in the past having provided opportunities to develop contacts which could be helpful to someone considering a future career in industry. The successful applicant can be expected to be treated as a member of the ABPI Research, Medical & Innovation Team, and as such, will benefit from professional development, cross functional working, interaction with wider stakeholders and an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.
Funding
Normally we would reimburse modest travel expenses however, we are currently working remotely. If during the project you are required to travel to our offices in London Victoria or to a pharmaceutical site visit, travel expenses and reasonable lunch expenses will be fully reimbursed.
Applications
A CV and covering letter should be sent to Andrew Croydon, Skills & Education Policy and Examinations Director, ABPI (acroydon@abpi.org.uk), by close of business Tuesday 27th April 2021. Should you have any questions prior to applying, these should be sent to Alice Coburn, Education Executive, ABPI (acoburn@abpi.org.uk).