Scientific Writing Mentor
Closing Date: 23/06/2025

We are welcoming applications to join our team of Scientific Writing Mentors for the next academic year (2025-2026). Mentors will work at the Scientific Writing Centre (SWC) in the Library and are managed by the Learning Development Team.  

Scientific Writing Mentors are post-graduate or 4^th year Integrated Masters students who are interested in helping others develop their scientific writing skills. Mentors should have experience of scientific writing, for example having successfully completed an undergraduate dissertation, final year project or extended essay in a science subject. 

Students from across the university may apply.  We especially welcome students to apply who have experience of studying Geography, Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Life Sciences or Psychology. 

To apply, you must be a post-graduate or 4^th year Integrated Masters student studying at Lancaster University (Bailrigg campus) in the next academic year (2025-2026).  

What is the Scientific Writing Centre?  

The Scientific Writing Centre is a place where undergraduate students, primarily from Biomedical and Life Sciences (BLS), Psychology and LEC, come to discuss scientific writing one-to-one with a paid Scientific Writing Mentor. Mentors are usually post-graduate students in the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) or the Faculty of Health and Medicine (FHM) and are trained and supervised by the Learning Developers for FST and FHM.  Mentors are expected to work approximately 2 hours per week in term-time. 

Undergraduate students who attend the SWC may bring questions about scientific writing, the writing process, or a draft or plan of an assignment, and the mentors work with them to develop their scientific writing skills using a coaching model.  Coaching involves asking questions to encourage students to discover their own solutions, reflect on their writing processes and grow as independent learners.  Mentors do NOT offer proofreading or advise on content.   

Further information 

While successful applicants must have experience of scientific writing and proficiency in English, candidates must also demonstrate an awareness that this is a role which requires self-awareness, empathy and consideration of other students. Ideal candidates will be willing to learn, reflect and grow through this process.    

We welcome applications from all diversity groups and recognise the value of diversity for students who visit the Scientific Writing Centre.   

To apply, please include a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should outline why you are applying for this role and explain how your experience, skills and ethos complement our role description and person criteria.  Cover letters may be addressed to Dr Beth Caldwell. 

Start date: 9th of September 2025 

End date:  31st of July 2026 

Interview date: Tuesday 1^st July or Thursday 3^rd July 2025

Work pattern: Approximately 2 hours per week during term time 

Location: Mentors will work on Bailrigg campus, Lancaster University. 

Main Duties:

As a Scientific Writing Mentor, your responsibilities will include: 

• Attending in person training on campus on 22nd and 23rdSeptember2025. The training is likely to be 3 x 2hour training sessions.
• Working in the Scientific Writing Centre in the Library with students on their scientific writing for between approximately two hours a week in term-time, in the Michaelmas term (from week 1-10) and the Lent term (weeks 11 – 20).
• Mentors may also be asked to work further hours in Summer term, depending on demand.
• Keeping brief records of student consultations.
• Attending occasional meetings for debriefing and evaluation.
• There may be opportunity to support wider Learning Development provision, such as occasional teaching support and resource development. Any further hours are not mandatory to the role.

The successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Must be a post-graduate student or 4^th year Integrated Masters student at Bailrigg campus in the academic year 2025/2026.
• Have experience in scientific writing and a high standard of English. 
• Have an appreciation of the importance of writing and communication in science, engineering and medicine.

• Have an enthusiasm for helping others develop scientific writing skills.
• Be reliable and approachable.
• Be open to supporting students from varying cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Be willing to communicate with SWC student users and scheme managers.
• Be willing to take direction and to work within the guidelines of the SWC.
• Have a good attendance record.
• Have interest in professional development and learning through this role.
• Previous experience of mentoring and/or supporting other students is desirable but not essential.

Working in this role will help develop the following skills and experience:

• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Persuasion
• Planning and organising
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Exercising professional judgement
• Flexibility
• Collaboration