Scientific Writing Mentor
Closing Date: 12/06/2026

Role & Department Overview 

We are welcoming applications to join our team of Scientific Writing Mentors for the next academic year (2026-2027). 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 Psychology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Biology or Biomedicine/Biomedical Sciences. 

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 (2026-2027).  

What is the Scientific Writing Centre?  

The Scientific Writing Centre is an in-person service based in the Library, where undergraduate students can discuss scientific writing one-to-one with a paid Scientific Writing Mentor. Students come to discuss their writing from across the sciences, and our most frequent queries come from students in Psychology, Biological and Life Sciences (BLS) and Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC).

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 subject content.  

Scientific Writing 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.

Further information 

While successful applicants must have experience of scientific writing and proficiency in English, this is a role which also 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 tailored 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.  We are interested in hearing from you and about your experiences, so please write the cover letter yourself as we will not consider generic or AI-generated cover letters.  Cover letters may be addressed to Dr Beth Caldwell and Dr Sophie Standen.

Start date: September 2026 

End date:  July 2027 

Interview date: Interviews will be in person on Monday 22^nd June 2026

Work pattern: Approximately 2 hours per week during term time

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

Pay Rate: £17.33 basic rate £2.09 holiday pay

As a Scientific Writing Mentor, your responsibilities will include: 

• Attending in person training on campus on 14th and 15thSeptember2026. 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.
• Attending occasional meetings for reflection and evaluation.
• There may be opportunities to support wider Learning Development provision, such as occasional teaching support and resource development. Any further hours are not mandatory to the role.

• Must be a post-graduate student or 4^th year Integrated Masters student at Bailrigg campus in the academic year 2026/2027.
• 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.
• Communicate professionally with SWC student users and scheme managers. 
• Be open to supporting students from varying cultural and educational backgrounds. 
• Be reliable and approachable.
• Be willing to take direction and to work within the guidelines of the SWC.
• Have interest in professional development and learning through this role.
• Previous experience of mentoring and/or supporting other students is desirable but not essential.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dr Beth Caldwell [email protected] 

You are required to submit a cover letter to support your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please note: Unless specified otherwise in the advert wording, this role is only open to individuals living in the UK.

Under the terms of this work, we endeavour to provide the advertised number of hours however, hours are not guaranteed and that work may cease if there is a fall in demand. 

Adverts that display a closing date should be treated as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.