Chemistry World Science Writer Intern

Circa:

We are seeking an intern to work as a science writer for our flagship publication, Chemistry World. This is a paid, full-time role, lasting for eight weeks and starting no later than 28 September 2026. The position is supported by the Marriott Bequest Trust.

Chemistry World is a leading magazine for chemical scientists. It is a valuable benefit for members of the Royal Society of Chemistry and reaches a large international audience online. It provides a variety of content in print and digital channels, including news, features, opinions and webinars.

Working within the news team, the Science Writer Intern’s principal task is to source, investigate and write up-to-the-moment news and features on trends, developments and discoveries in the chemical sciences. The role involves reporting on all areas of interest to the chemical science community from the latest research and business news to analysis of current affairs through the lens of the chemical sciences.

Accountabilities:

• Build and use contacts to source news stories and features for the magazine and website.

• Research and write news stories and features on a wide range of chemical science-related topics to a high level of accuracy and quality, and to agreed deadlines.

• Plan story concepts, determine the focus of individual articles, and research and develop story ideas for the magazine and website.

• Generate ideas for images to be used with articles.

• Take responsibility for pages as assigned.

• Participate in editing, proofreading and preparation of pages to go to press.

• Write segments for Re:action and Industry Brief newsletters

• Share content via social media according to current strategy.

• Keep abreast of current developments and trends in chemistry, the chemical industry, science policy and matters relating to chemists.

• Miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

What we are looking for: 

Someone with an interest in science journalism, you will demonstrate an enthusiasm for writing and will probably be coming to the end of, or have recently completed, your chemical science degree or postgraduate course. You will have some experience of writing and/or editing scientific news and/or features. You will have broad knowledge of topical developments in chemical and life sciences and be highly motivated and able to work with relatively little supervision.

In your application, please include your CV and supporting statement (no more than 500 words) indicating how you match the knowledge and skills outlined above, and how you would benefit from the experience. Please include in your application at least one short example of your previously published work written in a journalistic style, with an emphasis on popular science. If you don’t have any available samples, compose and include your own Chemistry World-style news pieces based on a recent journal paper or current event.

At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we embrace flexibility and offer hybrid working, which means our teams come together when they need to collaborate. Although this role is contractually based at our Cambridge office, you will also be able to work from home within the UK, with the expectation that you will attend the Cambridge office one day per week. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application.

Please note applications will close at 23:59 on 22/02/2026

Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us, our benefits, equal opportunities statement and inclusive culture pledge.

At the RSC, we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates.

As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this, we are flexible in the ways we give and receive information. If you would like to apply using a different format, please contact the Recruitment Team at jobs@rsc.org or on +44 (0) 1223 432229 and we will do our best to put any reasonable adjustments in place.

If you have any questions, please contact us at jobs@rsc.org