Join Our Team: We're Hiring a Science Communications Intern

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Now Hiring: Science Communications Intern (8-week paid internship) 


Location: Toronto, ON (In-person, remote, or hybrid)
Type: Paid Internship, 8 Weeks (30 hours/week) 
Dates: June 1 – July 24, 2026

The Gairdner Foundation is looking for a Science Communications Intern for an 8-week paid internship focused on translating award-winning biomedical and global health research for public audiences. 

This role offers hands-on experience in science communication, editorial collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. The intern’s work will highlight the research of the 2026 Canada Gairdner Award laureates and will be published on the Gairdner Foundation website and used across digital and in-person programming. 

 

What You’ll Do:

  • Research and write accessible science communication articles explaining award-winning biomedical and global health research for non-expert audiences 
  • Develop content aligned with Gairdner’s three award categories:
    • Canada Gairdner International Awards 
    • John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award 
    • Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Awards
  • Conduct background research using nomination materials, recorded conversations, existing Gairdner content, and past articles
  • Liaise with 2026 laureates to clarify scientific concepts, ensure accuracy, and incorporate feedback while maintaining accessibility
  • Work within a structured editorial timeline, responding to feedback from staff and advisors
  • Support coordination with an external scientific illustrator by sharing article summaries and ensuring visuals support non-expert understanding
  • Draft promotional content, including social media copy and materials for partners and educators 

 

What You'll Create:

By the end of the internship, you will have developed and/or contributed to: 

  • 5–7 finalized, web-ready science communication articles published on the Gairdner Foundation website 

  • Draft social media copy to support article promotion 

  • Promotional content packages for educators, partners, and other audiences 

  • Content contributions for a compiled digital article suite and a physical booklet 

  • A reflective piece (written or multimedia) documenting your internship experience and learning outcomes 

 

What We're Looking For: 

  • Enrollment in, or recent completion of, a science communication, science journalism, or related program 

  • Strong writing skills and an interest in translating complex science for public audiences 

  • Comfort engaging with researchers and incorporating feedback 

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work within editorial timelines 

  • Interest in biomedical research, global health, or science policy is an asset 

  • Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset 

 

What You'll Gain: 

  • Practical experience publishing science communication content for real audiences 

  • Editorial project management and collaboration experience 

  • Exposure to stakeholders and researchers  

  • Experience working with illustrators and visual storytelling 

  • Mentorship and editorial guidance from Gairdner staff 

 

Compensation and Work Details:

  • Hourly wage: $25/hour 

  • Time commitment: 30 hours per week (8 week placement) 

  • Location: In-person, remote, or hybrid (depending on the candidate) 

 

To Apply:

Please submit the following materials by February 6, 2026: 

  • Your resume and a brief cover letter 

  • Relevant examples of past work (e.g., writing samples, published articles, or science communication projects) 

Applications should be sent to  jocelyn@gairdner.org

 

About the Gairdner Foundation: Established in 1957, the Gairdner Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling James A. Gairdner’s vision to recognize major research contributions to the treatment of disease and alleviation of human suffering. Through the prestigious annual Canada Gairdner Awards, the Foundation celebrates the world’s most creative and accomplished researchers whose work is improving the health and wellbeing of people around the world. Since its inception, 434 awards have been bestowed on laureates from over 40 countries, and of those awardees, 103 have gone on to receive Nobel Prizes.