Main Purpose of the Job

The JIF Communications and Engagement Intern will provide support for the delivery and promotion of our Education Programme, funded by the John Innes Foundation (JIF).

Working closely with the Education Programme Co-ordinator, the postholder will help to organise and support a range of educational activities and events, both within schools and onsite. They will contribute to raising awareness of the Foundation’s work by helping to develop engaging content that showcases the impact of JIF-funded initiatives and educational opportunities.

In addition, the Intern will provide administrative support to the Education Programme Coordinator, assisting with reporting, record keeping, event logistics and the preparation of materials to support effective programme delivery. They will work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, helping to ensure activities run smoothly and that programme achievements are effectively captured and communicated.

The postholder will support the Education Programme Co-ordinator when liaising with the JIF Foundation Director on JIF communications and wider Foundation activities. The role will involve preparing content for the JIF website and newsletter, with guidance from the Education Programme Co-ordinator and the JIC Communications and Engagement team. The Intern will also support the creation of digital content, including case studies, impact summaries, website content and promotional resources, helping to ensure that information is clear and accessible.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills in communications, engagement, event management and content development while contributing to initiatives that inspire young people and promote education, science and research.

Key Relationships

Internal: Will work closely with the Education Programme Coordinator as well as with staff and students from across JIC, JIC Communications Team, and the Head of Communications and Engagement. 

External: Will liaise with the Foundation Director on JIF communication and a wider Foundation activity as well as working with the Norwich Research Park, schools, other educational bodies and scientific institutions, and the public. 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Support the planning, promotion and delivery of education and engagement activities, including school visits, events and on-site programmes.

Gather stories, photographs, quotes and other materials from education programme activities, helping to develop case studies, impact summaries and promotional content.

Create and share engaging content across a range of communication channels to raise awareness of the John Innes Foundation’s programmes and impact.

Assist with website content updates, ensuring materials are accessible, user-friendly and optimised for online audiences.

Provide administrative and event support, including preparing reports, coordinating activities and assisting the Education Programme Coordinator with the effective delivery of the programme.

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post. 

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Educated to A level or equivalent.

Essential

Educated to Degree level or equivalent.

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Word, Excel, and accurate keyboard skills.

Essential

Working knowledge of digital and social media channels.

Desirable

Interest in science or topics relevant to the work of the John Innes Centre

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of organising, supporting or reporting on events or activities.

Essential

Evidence of strong written communication skills and an interest in creating engaging content.

Essential

Experience of working in an academic environment.

Desirable

Knowledge and experience of working in schools or with young people.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with good people skills, and ability to liaise with individuals at all levels.

Essential

Detail–oriented, highly organised and efficient. Excellent time management, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

Essential

Ability to work on own initiative and to work effectively as part of a team, requiring flexibility, versatility and adaptability.

Essential

A passion for communicating science to a wide range of audiences.

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.

Essential

Willingness to work in ad hoc teams recognising leadership and contributions of others.

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Communications & Engagement

Group Details

The John Innes Centre Communications and Engagement Team plays a vital role in connecting the institute’s world-leading plant and microbial science with a wide range of audiences, including the public, schools, policymakers, industry, funders, and the media. The team works to ensure that JIC’s research is accessible, engaging, and relevant, helping people understand both the scientific discoveries taking place at the institute and their potential impact on global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and human health. This supportive team will provide on the job training and access to learning and development opportunities.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

JIF Communications and Engagement Intern
Salary:            £24,455 to £25,455 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        12 months, full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Reference:     1006195

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a JIF Communications and Engagement Intern to join the Communications Department, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

The role:

The JIF Communications and Engagement Intern will support the delivery and promotion of our Education Programme and the John Innes Foundation, working with schools, young people and colleagues across the John Innes Centre to help inspire the next generation through science. The role will involve assisting with the organisation and delivery of educational events and activities, developing content for a range of communications channels, and capturing the impact of JIF-funded initiatives through stories, case studies and digital resources.

This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in education, public engagement, outreach and science communication. The successful candidate will develop skills in event planning and delivery, stakeholder engagement, content creation, digital communications and project coordination, while contributing to programmes that promote education, science and research.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about education and public engagement, with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a creative approach to communicating information to different audiences. They should be well organised, able to manage a varied workload, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Experience of creating content for digital channels, supporting events, or working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential.

Additional information:

Interviews will be held on 12 October 2026.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council