Knowledge and Networks Intern (two positions available)

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Shape the future. Empower a profession. Make global impact.

At IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers), we’re more than a professional body — we are a powerful, global movement of over 32,000 chemical, biochemical and process engineers who are solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.

From climate change and clean energy to food security and health, our members lead the way in creating a safer, more sustainable world. We champion excellence, ethics and innovation. Through our professional standards, qualified members are entitled to use the titles Chartered Chemical Engineer and Professional Process Safety Engineer.

With a bold new strategy, fresh leadership, and an ambitious agenda for growth, inclusion and influence, this is a truly exciting time to join IChemE. Be part of a team that’s raising the bar, growing its global voice, and engineering a sustainable world.

Position:

Are you a chemical engineering student or recent graduate looking for an internship that stands out, builds your professional network, and gives you unmatched insight into the global chemical and process engineering community?

If so, then you should apply to join IChemE as a Knowledge & Networks Intern - we have two vacancies - and take on a role that will give you an unrivalled start to your early‑career journey.

This is a rare opportunity to gain hands‑on experience inside an internationally respected professional body, working alongside leading engineers, volunteers and subject‑matter experts who help shape the future of the profession.

Chemical engineers are tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges - from sustainability and decarbonisation to resource efficiency and future technologies - and in this internship, you’ll help support and share the knowledge that makes this possible. You’ll gain skills and experiences that are hugely valuable across industry, consultancy, academia and professional organisations, all while contributing to work that benefits society.

This is the kind of internship that opens doors!

Requirements:

  • Contribute to projects that support global engineering challenges - by working on key knowledge activities and learn how engineers shape solutions to major societal issues. You will build real skills in communication, coordination and managing multiple priorities — core competencies for any engineering role.
  • Develop and curate high‑value knowledge resources – that support the creation and review of technical and professional content used by engineers worldwide. You will collaborate with IChemE’s specialist technical groups — giving you access to a wide network of experts across sectors.
  • Enhance and modernise our knowledge platforms - help re‑package content into engaging new formats (including short videos and AI‑supported resource libraries). This is hands‑on digital experience that goes far beyond a typical student role.
  • Support prestigious medals, prizes and recognition programmes – get involved in supporting IChemE’s respected awards, working with volunteers and helping promote recognised achievements. This experience gives you exposure to excellence across the profession — and looks fantastic on your CV.

What You Will Gain

This internship offers:

  • Prestige from experience inside a globally recognised professional body
  • Visibility through opportunities to meet and work with senior engineers and technical leaders
  • Networking and access to volunteers, committees and sector specialists worldwide
  • Skill development such as project delivery, communication, digital content creation, stakeholder engagement
  • Real responsibility as you take on meaningful work that impacts thousands of engineering professionals
  • Insights into a unique view of how the profession operates at a strategic level

This role is perfect if you are curious, proactive, and passionate about using chemical and process engineering to make a positive impact.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Studying for or has completed a degree in chemical engineering (or closely related subject)
  • A confident communicator with strong writing skills
  • Organised, detail‑focused and able to juggle multiple tasks
  • Comfortable building professional relationships
  • Proactive, enthusiastic and eager to learn
  • IT‑literate, especially with Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools

Professional experience or volunteering is welcome but not essential - enthusiasm and initiative are equally important.

Other information:

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday), based at our IChemE offices in Rugby. You’ll enjoy a varied role with the chance to travel and attend key events across the UK, working at the heart of a vibrant professional community.

As an international organisation, IChemE’s activities span multiple time zones and cultural contexts. You must be willing to travel and participate in events outside standard working hours, and liaise with global colleagues to meet strategic goals.

Starting salary will be £26,227.50 (depending on experience) plus benefits which includes an excellent pension scheme.

To apply; please provide a CV and a short cover letter explaining why this opportunity excites you and how it aligns with your skills and interests. Applications sent without a cover letter will not be reviewed. Only candidates eligible to work in the UK will be considered. A copy of the full job description can be found at the end of this advert.

Please note that applications sent without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

The closing date for all applications is midnight 28 May 2026. IChemE reserves the right to interview exceptional candidates and make an offer of employment before the closing date should we wish.

IChemE benefits of employment include:

  • Annual performance reviews
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Company contributory pension scheme that matches employee contributions by 1.5 times up to a maximum capped 12% employer contribution
  • Life assurance linked to being an active member of the pension scheme
  • 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) for full time members of staff
  • Company paid sickness leave after 6 months employment and increased at intervals based on length of service
  • Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
  • Health cash plan (cash back on optical, dental, physio and more)
  • Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions if relevant to your role
  • Free parking and refreshments at our Rugby Office