St Leonard’s Postgraduate College Research Ambassadors

The Research Ambassador scheme has been suspended since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

St Leonard’s Postgraduate College has for many years offered doctoral students the opportunity to complete a short placement with local schools. The placements have been a chance for students to reflect on their research practice and to gain first-hand experience of academic outreach activities.

One placement each is available at Bell Baxter High School (Cupar), Madras College (St Andrews), and St Leonard’s School (St Andrews).

It is expected that Research Ambassadors will discuss the nature of their research and, potentially, broader issues such as the relationship between their work and knowledge in their academic field, the nature of originality and truth in their academic field, and the nature of research practice. The structure and content of the sessions will be agreed with the Provost and with the host school.

The Research Ambassador role will be of interest to all doctoral students looking to develop their presentation and communication skills, broaden their professional experience, and enhance their CV. Each Research Ambassador will receive an honorarium of £500 (subject to UK statutory deductions).


Eligibility

Applications are invited from doctoral students in the second or third year of their degree.

We are unable to accept applications from students on research Masters degrees (MPhil, MRes, etc.) or on doctoral degrees awarded jointly with another institution.

If you are considering applying for this role, please discuss this first with your supervisor. Your supervisor will be invited to provide a reference in the event that you are shortlisted.


Applications

Applications are currently closed. 

To apply please submit by email to [email protected]:

  1. A covering letter briefly outlining why you are interested in the Research Ambassador positions and any specific skills/attributes that you feel you would bring to the role.
  2. A concise summary of your research project. Please note that your project summary will be assessed on the extent to which it (i) provides a clear explanation of the purpose of your research that is understandable by people with little or no background in your academic field; and (ii) shows your ability to discuss your research in an engaging and enthusiastic way.

Please do not indicate a preferred host school.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview to be held at the University.


Further Enquiries

Please contact St Leonard’s Postgraduate College if you have any questions regarding the Research Ambassador positions or the application process by emailing [email protected].

Contact us

St Leonard's College
The Old Burgh School,
Abbey Walk
St Andrews
KY16 9LB

[email protected]

Phone:+44 (0)1334 46 2003

Upcoming events

Stretching and Guided Meditation with Dr Penny Turnbull
Wednesday 1 May, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Muir, Old Burgh School
Booking required:[email protected]

PG Cafe
Thursday 2 May 2024, 2.30pm -4.00pm
Fairlie Social Area, Old Burgh School

Movie Night ‘Troll 2’
Thursday 2 May 2024, 5.00pm -7.00pm
Graduate School Meeting Room, Old Burgh School

End of Semester Celebration/ St Leonard’s 50th Anniversary
Friday 10 May 2024, 4.00pm -6.00pm
Muir (109), Old Burgh School

Data management plans:writing workshop for first year reviews
Wednesday 15 May 2024, 9.30am to 11.30am
Sign up on PDMS

Microsoft Word: Producing a dissertation (MSkills)
Thursday 6 June 2024, 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Sign up on PDMS

Software Carpentry 2 day workshop: Shell/Git/Python (GRADSkills)
Monday 17 June to Tuesday 18 June 2024 – full days