Careers

Position: Science and Public Health Communications Assistant - Intern

Organization: Global Virus Network (GVN)

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)

Duration: Semester-based appointment (Fall, Spring, or Summer semester). Continuation beyond the initial semester may be considered based on organizational needs and satisfactory performance.

Hours: 15-20 hours per week during U.S. Eastern Time business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET)

Pay Rate: $15 Per Hour

Report to: Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs

 

Internship Overview:

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Science and Public Health Communications Assistant Intern to support communications, marketing, and public affairs activities across a global network of virology and public health experts. This internship provides hands-on experience in science communication, digital content development, social media, public health outreach, media relations support, and organizational communications within an international nonprofit organization.

Interns will contribute to projects that promote GVN's scientific expertise, educational initiatives, research activities, events, and public health programs while developing professional communication skills applicable to careers in public health, science communication, marketing, nonprofit management, journalism, public relations, and related fields.

 

Location & Eligibility:

This is a remote internship open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at a U.S.-based university or college that is home to a GVN Center of Excellence or Affiliate. Students from any school, college, department, or academic discipline within an eligible institution are encouraged to apply and are not required to be enrolled in the unit that hosts the GVN Center of Excellence or Affiliate.

We welcome applicants from all academic disciplines, including communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, public health, global health, science, health sciences, international affairs, and related fields.

Applicants must be available to work 15–20 hours per week, with their schedules falling within U.S. Eastern Time business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET). Regular participation in meetings and collaboration during these hours is an essential requirement of the internship.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Social media support
  • Drafting social media posts that align with GVN's established voice, tone, and communications objectives for review
  • Checking content for typos
  • Finding relevant hashtags or tagging organizations
  • Resizing images or using templates (Canva-level work)
• Light writing & editing
  • Proofreading newsletters and other collateral materials
  • Drafting short descriptions of events, programs, and projects.
  • Support the updating of website text and making suggestions
• Research tasks
  • Providing background info on viruses, outbreaks, or experts
  • Tracking posts from other partners and organizations to repost or share.
• Administration work
  • Organizing files, images, or contact lists
  • Developing a database of media contacts across our Center of Excellence and Affiliate institutions.
  • Updating spreadsheets
  • Sitting in meetings and taking notes
• Content prep
  • Formatting documents or slides
  • Helping prep newsletters or email campaigns
• Photography
  • Take photos of occasional events and programs
  • Upload and organize photos
• Other assignments as needed

 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an eligible U.S.-based institution affiliated with a GVN Center of Excellence or Affiliate.
• Minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear, concise content tailored to different audiences and platforms.
• Familiarity with major social media platforms, including LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, and/or YouTube.
• Ability to adapt scientific, technical, or public health information into audience-friendly content.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Availability to work 15-20 hours per week during U.S. Eastern Time business hours.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in public health, global health, virology, science communication, journalism, marketing, public relations, nonprofit communications, or related fields.
• Experience with social media platforms and content creation.
• Experience with writing, editing, newsletters, websites, or digital communications.
• Interest in translating scientific information for professional and public audiences.

 

Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in science and public health communications, marketing, and public affairs within an international nonprofit organization.
• Work alongside communications professionals and engage with leading virologists, researchers, and public health experts across GVN's global network.
• Develop practical skills in science writing, digital content creation, social media, media relations, and strategic communications.
• Build a portfolio of published content and communications materials, as opportunities permit.
• Gain exposure to global health challenges, emerging infectious diseases, and the role of scientific communication in pandemic preparedness and response.
• Expand your professional network and explore career pathways in science communication, public health, global health, and nonprofit communications.
• Academic credit may be available. GVN is willing to coordinate with students and their academic institutions, subject to institutional requirements and approval.

 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following information via email to Ruby Ferrari at [email protected]

• A current resume.
• 2 letters of recommendation from faculty of your university.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and relevant experience.
• An unofficial transcript showing current GPA.

 

Required Social Media Writing Samples

• Applicants must submit three original social media post samples promoting a public health, scientific, educational, or nonprofit topic. Posts may be created specifically for this application. Applicants are encouraged to review GVN's social media accounts before preparing their submissions.
• All samples must reflect the applicant's own original writing, ideas, and creative judgment. AI-generated content is not permitted. Applicants may use standard spelling and grammar tools, but the substantive content, messaging, and language must be their own.
• Samples will be evaluated on originality, writing quality, scientific accuracy (where applicable), clarity, creativity, audience appropriateness, and the applicant's ability to develop content that aligns with GVN's established voice, tone, style, and approach to communicating scientific and public health information.