Science writing internship opportunity at EU Universe Awareness

[Posted on behalf of Pedro Russo]

Can you write about the latest astronomy news for children?

EU Universe Awareness (EU-UNAWE) -- an IAU- and UNESCO-endorsed programme that uses astronomy to inspire children aged 4-10 years -- is looking for a science writing intern.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent astronomy, physics or science communication/journalism graduate to gain experience of working for an international organisation. The intern will be required to write stories for EU-UNAWE's news service for children aged 8+, called Space Scoop, write regular updates for the website, and other related tasks.

This is a full-time paid internship for three months based at the organisation's International Office at Leiden University, the Netherlands, with the possibility for extension for a further three months. The intern will receive a weekly allowance of 250 euros. Furthermore, travel costs to Leiden will be reimbursed up to a maximum of 200 euros. (Please note that accommodation in Leiden will not be provided.)

Essential requirements:

• Permit to work in the European Union
• Fluent in English (Native English speaker preferred)
• Excellent writing skills
• Astronomy, Physics or Science Communication/journalism graduate, who completed her/his studies within the past two years (since the academic year 2009/10)
• Ability to explain complex topics in a simple, fun and creative manner

Desired requirements:

• Experience of writing for a newspaper, magazine or website (Please provide up to three examples)
• Experience of writing for young children
• Demonstrable passion for astronomy education and public outreach
• An awareness of current activities and projects that use astronomy for socio-economic development

To apply:

Applicants must be available to work from 15 September 2012. Applicants should write a Space Scoop version of the following ESO press release: http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1103/ (250 words maximum). Please send your Space Scoop with your CV and up to three examples of your published writing (if available) to Pedro Russo (russo@strw.leidenuniv.nl) by 8 August 2012. Due to the expected number of submissions, we won't be able to reply to every applicant. If you are not contacted by 22 August 2012, then your application has been unsuccessful.

More information:

• EU-UNAWE website: www.eu-unawe.org
• Space Scoop: www.eu-unawe.org/kids 
• Background information about Space Scoop: www.eu-unawe.org/updates/unawe-update-1226/

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Pedro Russo
EU Universe Awareness International Project Manager
Editor-in-Chief CAPjournal / IAU C55: Comm. Astro. w/ Public Secretary
Leiden University / International Astronomical Union

e. russo@strw.leidenuniv.nl
p. +31 71 527 8419 | +31 6 54 37 26 58
w. www.eso.org/~prusso/ | www.unawe.org | www.capjournal.org
t. @pruss | @unawe
f. facebook.com/unawe

a. Universe Awareness International Office
Leiden Observatory
J.H. Oort Building
Niels Bohrweg 2
NL-2333 CA Leiden
The Netherlands