Part-time Administrative/Communications Assistant

 

The Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM) is seeking a part-time Administrative/Communications Assistant to work in our Med-Vet-Net Communications Unit, based in Bedford.

 

Med-Vet-Net is funded by the EU for five years to develop a Network of Excellence for the Integrated Research on the Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans). The Network comprises 16 European partners and over 300 scientists from multiple disciplines. It aims to provide the appropriate environment for these scientists to share and enhance their knowledge and skills, develop collaborative projects and present joint research within and outside the network.

 

The position involves supporting the Communications Director with the following tasks:

• General office administration (answering phone, accounts, ordering, travel bookings, maintaining address database)
• Liaison with scientists, media, policy makers, other communication groups
• Researching and writing scientific fact sheets
• Production of monthly newsletter, brochures, presentations, other publicity
• Updating and maintaining webpages (events calendar, news, stories, background information)
• Organisation of events (eg. Annual General Meeting)
• Monitoring media coverage and science policy

 

We are seeking a keen, energetic person with lots of enthusiasm, initiative and a flair for communication. Ideally, the candidate should have the following:

 

• A background in biological science (with microbiology)
• Be a current student (or recent graduate) in science communication, journalism or public relations
• Excellent communications skills with a talent for writing and great interpersonal skills
• Be a skilled and capable user of the Internet for research purposes
• Familiar with Microsoft products (word, excel, access, powerpoint, outlook)
• Experience in graphics and desktop publishing (Photoshop, InDesign)
• Familiarity with website editing
• Great organisational skills

  

Salary will be in the range £20,000 pro rata. Working hours are flexible being approximately 18 hours per week. This post is offered on a part-time contract until February 2006.

 

More information can be found at www.medvetnet.org

To apply, please send your CV and a one-page summary supporting your application to:

 

Teresa Belcher,

Med-Vet-Net Communications Director,

The Society for Applied Microbiology,

The Blore Tower,

The Harpur Center,

Bedford MK40 1TQ,

email [log in to unmask],

or telephone 01234 271020.

 

Applications to be received by Friday 28 January 2005.