About this role
About the Role Join the CELL program at Novartis as a Science Education Volunteer in the Cambridge area. You will help excite local students about biomedical science and drug discovery through hands-on experiments and problem solving, mentoring learners during CELL lessons, and sharing your education and career path stories. Volunteers partner with Novartis scientists and local educators to connect classroom lessons to real-world research across Expeditions, Explorations, and Encounters. What You'll Do
- Mentor and coach middle/upper school (6th-12th) students during CELL lessons and expeditions in the Cambridge/Boston region.
- Support multi-visit Expeditions (≈2 hours per visit), singular Explorations (≈4 hours), and Encounters (≈2 hours) with hands-on activities and lab-skills demonstrations.
- Lead basic laboratory skills sessions (e.g., pipetting, pH indicators, serial dilutions, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis) and discuss scientific concepts, ethics, and career paths.
- Collaborate with Novartis scientists and educators to align activities with curriculum and learning goals.
- Share authentic stories about your education and career path to inspire students and engage communities. What We're Looking For
- Interest in biomedical science and education; enthusiasm for mentoring and outreach.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts to middle/high school students and adapt to diverse learning needs.
- Willingness to participate in visits to Novartis (Cambridge/Boston region) and collaborate with school partners.
- Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and ability to coordinate with teachers and after-school programs.
- Basic comfort with laboratory activities and safety protocols. Nice to Have
- Prior experience in mentoring, science outreach, teaching, or science communication.
- Background in biology, chemistry, or related fields; familiarity with basic lab techniques. Compensation & Benefits
- This is a volunteer position; no monetary compensation.
- Opportunities to work with Novartis scientists, gain STEM education experience, and contribute to local science outreach in Cambridge.