At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a public engagement programme to connect science with communities and enhance understanding of genomics.
- Company: Join the Human Cell Atlas, a global initiative transforming healthcare through innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a comprehensive wellbeing strategy, and support for health-related stress reduction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public understanding of science while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in STEM or social sciences; experience in public engagement and communication required.
- Other info: This role is funded by the Rita Allen Foundation with a salary range of £41,331-£49,102.
The predicted salary is between 35300 - 41000 £ per year.
Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity's greatest challenges. Are you passionate about making science accessible and meaningful to communities? We are looking for a Civic Science Public Engagement Fellow to join our Human Cell Atlas (HCA) team to design and lead a new public engagement programme of work for an 18-month fixed-term contract. The HCA is a global collaborative research consortium mapping every cell type in the human body, creating a 3-D Atlas of human cells to transform our understanding of biology and disease. With around 4,000 members from over 100 countries, HCA is an open, global initiative. The Atlas aims to revolutionise healthcare worldwide.
About the role: This role offers a unique opportunity to design and lead a collaborative science engagement project that fosters dialogue between researchers and the public about the societal benefits and implications of single-cell genomics and the HCA.
Key responsibilities:
- Design and deliver an impactful global public engagement programme.
- Collaborate with HCA scientists to translate complex scientific outputs into accessible materials.
- Engage with external partners to develop creative education collaborations and learning opportunities.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with collaborators, including scientists, patient advocacy groups, research institutions, and funders.
- Establish objectives, outcomes, evaluation methods, and monitor project progress.
- Stay informed about developments in genomics, biodata, societal issues, and public attitudes, such as AI in science.
About You: You have experience in designing and delivering impactful public science engagement programmes, working with diverse stakeholder groups, and understanding cultural sensitivities related to genomics. You can lead programme design and implementation with stakeholder input.
Essential Skills:
- Advanced degree in a STEM, social science, or related field.
- Experience in public engagement initiatives and working with research organisations.
- Ability to communicate complex or sensitive topics effectively.
- Strong organisational, planning, and prioritisation skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- High interpersonal skills and ability to work in diverse team environments.
- Experience in public communication of complex concepts.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom.
- Attention to detail, risk assessment, and contingency planning skills.
- Experience in activity evaluation and creative thinking for project outputs.
Other Information: This role is funded by the Rita Allen Foundation. Salary: £41,331-£49,102 per annum, dependent on skills and experience.
Application Process: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Representatives from the Broad Institute will be part of the interview panel, and your information may be shared with them for recruitment purposes. Closing Date: 6th July 2025.
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger: We support hybrid working to promote work-life balance and facilitate collaboration. The arrangement will vary depending on the role and team needs.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We aim to attract and develop diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment. Our staff networks support this goal and provide community and development opportunities.
Our Benefits: We offer a comprehensive wellbeing strategy and support for health and work-related stress reduction. We are committed to recognizing and supporting technicians through the Technician Commitment.
HCA Civic Science Public Engagement Fellow employer: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Contact Detail:
Wellcome Sanger Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HCA Civic Science Public Engagement Fellow
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of public engagement and genomics. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet people who are already working in civic science. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Human Cell Atlas project and its objectives. Understanding their mission and current projects will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in public engagement by preparing examples of past projects where you've successfully communicated complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in genomics and public attitudes towards science, especially regarding AI. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and its societal implications.
We think you need these skills to ace HCA Civic Science Public Engagement Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the HCA Civic Science Public Engagement Fellow position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly outline your passion for public engagement in science and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex topics effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your experience in designing and delivering public engagement programmes. Include any work with diverse stakeholder groups and your understanding of cultural sensitivities related to genomics, as these are crucial for this role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential qualities for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wellcome Sanger Institute
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the HCA Civic Science Public Engagement Fellow role. Familiarise yourself with how this position contributes to improving human health and the societal implications of single-cell genomics. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help shape impactful public engagement programmes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires translating complex scientific concepts into accessible materials, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated intricate topics in the past. Highlight any experience you have in public engagement initiatives and working with diverse stakeholder groups.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
This position involves collaborating with scientists, patient advocacy groups, and other partners. Be prepared to discuss your experience in building and maintaining positive relationships with various stakeholders. Share specific examples of successful collaborations and how they led to meaningful outcomes.
✨Stay Informed and Engaged
Keep up-to-date with developments in genomics, biodata, and public attitudes towards science, including AI. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for these topics and how they relate to the role. This will show your commitment to staying informed and your passion for making science accessible to communities.