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SCP 7709 AI & NLP Intern

University of Exeter Internships
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Job Summary

The Nature and Climate Impact Team are looking for an intern to support them in a research project in the Digital Technology sector focusing on the COP30 (Brazil). The project aims to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to combat climate misinformation, enhancing public understanding of climate science and supporting fact-checking efforts, specially targeted to Brazilian audience. You will contribute to developing an NLP model to simplify climate content (scientific papers, official reports) and transform it into a language more suitable for understanding by the public. You will actively contribute to multiple stages of the project. Key responsibilities include helping with literature review on NLP techniques for this task, data collection and preparation, model training and evaluation, and model integration to a web-based tool.

This role is part of the Student Campus Partnership (SCP) scheme and offers flexible hours up to 35 in total working on Streatham Campus in Exeter.

 

Key Dates

Closing Date: 27/5/25

Interview Date: 29-30/5/25

Start Date: ASAP from 16/6/25

Duration: 35 hours

 

Pay: £14.12 per hour including holiday pay.

 

 

Purpose of the Role

This research project aims to develop an NLP-based solution to extract knowledge from complex climate-related materials, such as scientific articles and official reports. Through the creation and organization of a dataset, as well as the analysis and training of NLP models, this project integrates a larger NCIT web tool for checking and counter-arguing climate-related content focused on COP30, which will be held in Brazil. Thus, to help combat climate misinformation, assisting key stakeholders, especially when discussing this topic at the next COP, the initial focus will be on the Brazilian audience, so the model will be trained in Portuguese and English.

Your work will provide critical research foundations that bridge technological innovation with practical climate misinformation detection applications. The data collection and NLP model training will help translate scientific knowledge to improve climate literacy and empower society against misinformation.

The position offers exceptional professional development through hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI/NLP technology, while focusing on developing solutions for multiple stakeholders in climate, such as faculty and students, COP negotiators/observers, and journalists. The structured mentorship program progresses from orientation to guided skill development, increasing independence, and culminating in research documentation and presentation.   

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

You will work together with Research Fellows from NCIT, contributing significantly to all stages of the project, helping with tasks like:

  • Comprehensive literature review on NLP techniques
  • Data collection and preprocessing (scientific papers on climate, official climate reports)
  • NLP model training and evaluation
  • Model integration with a web-based tool for climate misinformation detection

You will also be expected to participate in weekly NCIT meetings and with stakeholders, when necessary, and contribute to the production of science (articles, presentations, reports).

 

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

  • This research experience offers exceptional professional development through hands-on engagement with cutting-edge AI techniques, applying them to the huge hot topic of climate.
  • While we live in a time of uncertainty and lack of truth in the media, social networks and political representatives, projects like this enable practical solutions to real problems and student development, both as researcher, professional and citizen.
  • You will be encouraged to learn interdisciplinary both about AI, such as NLP techniques, climate challenges, such as misinformation, and policy roles, such as discussion tables like COP with extreme global relevance.
  • Working at NCIT, with Professors, Research Fellows and students with expertise in different areas (such as AI, climate, food systems, communications, consumer goods and electronics) will enable the intern to expand the critical thinking and see climate challenges from multiple perspectives.
  • Communication skills will be enhanced through regular team presentations, stakeholder engagements, and potential co-authorship on research outputs.
  • This experience creates pathways to future graduate studies, a fulfilling career in international development, or roles in technology innovation and climate – all while contributing to solutions for one of humanity's most pressing challenges.

You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in: 

  • Prevent Duty - Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities
  • Equality and Diversity Introduction
  • Health and Safety Introduction
  • Information Governance

 

Support Available

  • During this 3-month internship, the student will receive structured yet flexible mentorship designed to maximize the student's growth and contribution to the project. The plan includes:
  • Orientation and foundation-building through targeted readings, project overview sessions, and introductions to key collaborators across partner universities, industry, and NGOs. Weekly one-on-one meetings will establish clear expectations and identify the student's specific interests within the project scope.
  • Guided skill development and bi-weekly feedback sessions will focus on both technical progress and professional development. The student will prepare and deliver a mid-term presentation to the broader research team.
  • Throughout the internship, connections will be facilitated with our global network of collaborators to expand your professional horizons.

 

The Benefits

  • Having a job that allows you to ‘give something back’ to the community
  • Potential awards nomination in the University of Exeter Employment Awards.
  • Health and wellbeing e.g. eye test
  • Reference
  • LinkedIn recommendation
  • Social activities with colleagues

 

About You (Person Specification)

Degree and Attainment

  • Current student working towards or about to complete (this summer) a Bachelor’s or master’s in computer science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.

Skills

  • Experience in systematic literature review, data collection/preprocessing, and Machine Learning (especially NLP) model training and evaluation (metrics).
  • Strong coordination, research, and communication skills.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

  • A passion for AI and climate.
  • A collaborative spirit, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders from academia, tech industry, and international development organizations.
  • A willingness to work across multiple disciplines.
  • A self-motivated learner.
  • An ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written forms.
  • Enthusiasm for developing new skills.

Knowledge

  • Strong familiarity with NLP techniques and data analysis pipeline (collection, pre-processing, training, evaluation).
  • Interest or background in climate, misinformation, and/or Portuguese language is a plus.

Prior Experience 

  • Published work about Machine Learning/NLP model training (paper, poster, conferences)

 

About the University Department

The Nature & Climate Impact Team (NCI Team) at the University of Exeter is an impact-driven initiative accelerating climate and nature action across key sectors through science and innovative campaigns.’ We are an agile global unit with diverse experience, using an evidence-based strategy and innovative communications. The Nature and Climate Impact Team is focusing on four industry sectors: Food, Consumer Package Goods/Electronics, Digital Technologies, and Communications. 

Vision: A hopeful future shaped by science and storytelling

Mission: Unlocking barriers to action by fusing cutting edge science with accessible

and relevant communication

Values: We work like a start-up but bring the depth of academic expertise and

combine this with innovative communication campaigns, creating space for

experimentation, problem-solving, and bold action. Here’s what makes us different:

  • We use science and storytelling. A mix of strategy, data, and compelling narratives to overcome barriers and accelerate action.
  • We’re a tactical team. We find and unblock barriers that are stopping progress in key industry sectors.
  • We’re opportunistic. We jump on the right opportunities, move fast, and make things happen.
  • We’re agile. We experiment, learn quickly, and pivot when needed.
  • We’re collaborative. We bring together expertise in business, science, and communications, working with partners to overcome complexity in the system.
  • We’re authentic and humble. We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we know how explore and identify them.
  • We fight backsliding. We keep sustainability efforts moving forward despite key shifts in geopolitical and business landscapes.

 

Student Campus Partnership (SCP) Scheme Requirements

  • Applicants must have current student status or proof of an acceptance on a degree at the University of Exeter.
  • Applicants must be a student for the full duration of the internship.
  • The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity. 
  • The University of Exeter is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to attracting and recruiting people with disabilities and retaining and supporting staff with disabilities. If an applicant declares a disability and meets all the essential criteria, they will be invited to interview.
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion).
  • We welcome applications from all eligible students and in particular those from underrepresented groups. Selection and recruitment itself will be based entirely on merit alone unless there are multiple applicants demonstrating equal merit. In this clear circumstance, preference would be shown to applicants from under-represented groups. This is in line with lawful positive action measures under sections 158 and 159 of the Equality Act 2010.
  • All applicants are required to provide their employer with proof of their Right to Work in the UK before they start work and follow the Intern Guidance- Proving Right to Work the UK.
  • All interns need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.
  • Undergraduate students can work a maximum of 15 hours per week in term-term or full-time hours in vacation.
  • Full time Postgraduate students can work a maximum of 6 hours per week and no more than 180 hours per year, this includes those working already working as Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PTA). You may work more hours with written permission from your academic.
  • You can check here for further details on the Scheme eligibility.

 

How to Apply

  • Please download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form and upload to the job on Handshake. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form.
  • Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.
  • Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
  • Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
  • You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: SCP 7709 
  • Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your surname - your forename - SCP 7709’
  • The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through the Internship Schemes. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
  • Please also include details of reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
  • You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.

 

Further Guidance and Support

  • You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
  • If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment with a Career Zone Advisor by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk.
  • Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
  • It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
  • If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk