The Australian Brain Alliance and the Australian Academy of Science invites applications to undertake a three-month internship with the Australian Brain Alliance’s Campaigns and Policy team at the Australian Academy of Science Policy.

Interns will complete a brain science policy-focused project in an area of interest relating to the Alliance’s science policy work (namely, mapping the brain research sector), and will contribute to the day-to-day policy and advocacy activities of the team.

This opportunity will suit a postgraduate student or early-career researcher who can write well and is interested in a career in policy.

About the Academy

The Australian Academy of Science was established by Royal Charter in 1954 and is one of Australia’s four learned Academies. The Academy champions, celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science and provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice. The Academy comprises over 500 of Australia’s leading scientists, each elected for their outstanding contribution to science, and is supported by a professional secretariat based at the iconic Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in Canberra.

About the Alliance

The Australian Brain Alliance, an initiative of the Australian Academy of Science was formed in 2016 with a defining mission; to position Australia for a century that will be defined by the outcomes of brain research.

Comprised of Australia’s leading neuroscientists and psychologists, the Australian Brain Alliance (ABA) is a consortium of universities, research institutes and leaders in industry with a common vision to transform the Australian brain research sector into one that will deliver a step change in our understanding of the brain, and in turn will offer enduring social, health and economic outcomes for all Australians.

The principle aim of the ABA is to advocate for the Australian Brain Science sector, namely, for the establishment of an Australian Brain Initiative that will;

1. Coordinate Australian brain science research through a national brain initiative
2. make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of brain disease and disability
3. create economic opportunities that will be powered by the study of the brain, and
4. put Australia at the forefront of next generation science.

The internship

The Australian Brain Alliance runs an internship program that has four intakes per year, for a period of three months per internship.

The internship will begin in late July/early August 2018; however, the Alliance may also draw from this application round to fill additional internships for the October/November 2018 in take.

During the internship, the successful applicant will gain exposure to the policy and advocacy process through involvement in the work of the Alliance’s advocacy and policy team, as well as completing a policy-focused project on a subject of interest. The intern will also gain exposure to a range of science policy and public policy issues.

Eligibility

The internship is open to applicants who either have completed, or are close to completing, a higher degree with a substantial research component (M.Sc, M.Phil or Ph.D in a scientific field) at an Australian university, or have a significant connection to Australian research. This opportunity would ideally suit a final-year PhD student or early career researcher considering a career in science policy, but all eligible applicants will be considered. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• A high standard of written communication;
• A genuine interest in scientific and public policy;
• An appreciation of issues facing scientists and the wider community.

Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary research would be an advantage.

*This internship opportunity is exclusive to partner and member organisations of the Australian Brain Alliance. To check the eligibility of your university/institute please check the homepage of this website or contact us on the details below. 

Details

• The intern will be based at the Academy of Science in Canberra for the duration of the internship. The internship is expected to be full-time for three months, starting in May 2018.
• The internship is a voluntary position. However, successful applicants will be eligible for a stipend from the Academy to enable them to defer research or support themselves during the period of the internship. The rate of the stipend is approximately equivalent to an Australian Postgraduate Award: $7,000 for the 3 month period. Applicants are responsible for determining if this stipend is taxable in their own personal circumstances.
• Current postgraduate students should include a letter of support from their supervisor regarding their ability and suitability to undertake an internship if successful.

How to apply

Applicants should be sent to brain.science@science.org.au, by COB Monday 16 July 2018 and include:

• A cover letter of no more than one page
• A concise CV highlighting both academic and general experiences
• A short piece of writing in the style of an op-ed, discussing an issue of your choice related to brain science or neurotechnology policy, or an issue of public policy with a brain science or neurotechnology element (1000 words maximum)

Enquiries:              Contact Khaled Chakli, Director, Australian Brain Alliance, on 02 6201 9448, or brain.science@science.org.au

Next round:          The next round of policy internships will be advertised in late 2018.