Research Africa offers opportunity for communication intern

The internship will start in January 2012 and is open for a communicator based at an African university, think tank or research institute. Suitable applicants include press officers, research managers and outreach staff. Non-South African applicants will be prioritised.

The successful applicant will get a deep understanding of how the media works by assisting Research Africa's editorial team. They will write and research articles for the Research Africa newsletter about academic life in African research institutions, as well as seek and test strategies to popularise research, and the activities in various national contexts that promote research and scientific communication.

Research Africa will cover the costs of travel to and from South Africa, accommodation and a small stipend. Visa costs will be reimbursed if valid receipts are submitted. The internship is funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) as one of their five awards in science journalism.

Popularisation of research

Applicants need to propose a short research project that they will carry out during their internship. This should investigate a topical issue related to the popularisation of research in Africa. Applicants must also submit their curriculum vitae, recent examples of their communication work (print or electronic), and a letter of permission from their line manager confirming that they would be allowed to take seven months off work (paid or unpaid leave).

Applicants should be mature, self-motivated and independent, with fluent written and spoken English and a high degree of numeracy. They should be computer literate, and able to use word processors. Competence in both PC and Mac environments is recommended.

Email application, including certified copies of academic degrees to ten.acirfa-hcraeser@pjs with the subject line Research Africa-IDRC research communication internship. The deadline for applications is 20 November 2012.