Placement student - Marketing and Communications Assistant
British Neuroscience Association
Reports to: Marketing and Communications Manager, or Chief Executive
Terms: 10 months (September 2026 – June 2027)
This role may require out of hours working, travel and external/internal events
Start date must be from 1 September 2026 onwards
About the British Neuroscience Association
The British Neuroscience Association (BNA) is a charity with a mission to connect, represent and promote neuroscience and neuroscientists across the globe. We are a vibrant and progressive community that spans a broad spectrum of neuroscience sectors and disciplines, with over 3,000 members from 45 countries. The BNA is the largest UK organisation representing all areas of brain research.
The BNA is pleased to offer placement opportunities for undergraduate, masters and PhD students, for whom undertaking a placement is integral to the course. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a diverse range of roles in a charitable organisation and develop skills in project management, communications, stakeholder engagement and time management. Placements also offer a valuable opportunity to create and expand a scientific and professional network.
The BNA Executive Team work closely with trustees, committees and working groups and are responsible for the management and delivery of a diverse range of activities that benefit members and wider society. Placement roles are aligned to strategic priorities within the organisation and are fundamental to delivering our charitable objectives and mission.
We are an inclusive and collaborative community and offer flexible working conditions with a number of benefits. By undertaking a placement with the BNA, you will be working with us to create an exciting and sustainable future for neuroscience. As such, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting and meaningful difference to the BNA community and all its members.
About the role
The BNA accepts up to 2 placement students per year to support key strategic activities and provide a unique opportunity for students to gain an insight into charity management and governance.
The placement will be primarily supervised by the Marketing and Communications Manager, with support from the BNA Chief Executive.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the Marketing and Communications Manager to create branded content for social media to advertise upcoming training and events.
- Maintaining the BNA website, ensuring content is up to date, clear and relevant.
- Supporting the Marketing and Communications Manager to engage our membership via email, e-newsletters and occasional print publications.
- Assisting the BNA Executive Team with in person and online events.
- Attending and contributing to BNA Executive Team meetings and key activities.
- Completing one major project during the time (to be confirmed with the Marketing and Communications Manager.
- Writing scientific blogs, meeting reports and articles for the BNA website.
Desirable Skills:
- A passion for science communication, clear and persuasive writing and engaging people via a range of communication channels.
- Excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
- Enthusiasm and motivation to learn.
- A pro-active approach to work and the ability to work remotely.
- Familiarity with social media platforms (X, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube).
- Proficient in MS Office suite, in particular Teams, Excel and Word.
- Experience of using Canva would be an advantage.
What we offer
- A flexible, remote work schedule
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Flexible annual leave plus bank holidays
- Access to a huge range of discounts and exclusive deals via CharityDiscounts.com
- Professional development, training and exposure to a vast network of contacts for your future career
The candidate
Applicants should be undertaking, or have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate course (including sandwich courses) in one of the following subject areas:
- Neuroscience, Psychology or a related scientific discipline, with an interest in marketing and / or science communications
Essential information
- This role is fully remote, with occasional travel to events.
- The BNA Executive Team is a small team of 6-8 individuals. You will work particularly closely with the Chief Executive and Marketing and Communications Manager, however, you will be expected to collaborate with all members of the team across activities.
- We expect students to complete normal working hours between 9am-5pm, 4 days per week, however we can host students on part-time placements and accommodate flexible hours if required.
- The BNA provides the placement only. It is the responsibility of the student to organise all other requirements, including living and funding arrangements with their home institution/university.
- Placements are unpaid and are offered as part of completing a degree course. Expenses incurred during the placement, for business purposes, e.g. travel to meetings, will be covered.
- During the course of 2026-2027 placements, the BNA plans to hold a number of in-person events. Students undertaking placements with the BNA at this time will be expected to assist with running some or all events. They will be able to attend and have expenses covered by the BNA.
Application procedure
- To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter demonstrating why you would like to undertake a placement with the BNA and what you would bring to the organisation, to: [email protected].
- Please also include information about the duration and timing of the placement position you're seeking.
Deadline for applications: 12th June 2026 – please note - positions for the academic year 2026-2027 will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified, please apply by emailing [email protected] at any time.
Interview: Online via Zoom
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
BNA is an inclusive employer and is open to flexibility on the above criteria. We encourage applications from individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including under-represented groups such as returning parents or carers, members of BAME communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities or impairments, to apply.
Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help to make the application process accessible to you.