ARU Summer Internship Scheme 2026: Public Affairs Intern
Company name: Xampla Limited
Pay rate: £13.45 per hour
Location: Bio Innovation Centre, Cambridge CB4 0FW
Hours: 37 hour per week
Term: 10 weeks
Start date: June
Application deadline: 18th May
Interview dates:TBC
Xampla is a groundbreaking materials technology company unlocking the power of natural plant polymers for a range of industries and applications, from plastic-free alternatives in packaging to high-performance encapsulation.
Stemmed from 15 years of research at the University of Cambridge, Xampla is the UK’s first university spin-out to be award B Corp status, highlighting our care for people and planet. Our team of global experts are committed to make the world a better place with cutting-edge scientific and industry knowledge. Inspired by nature, powered by innovation, and led by world-class science, Xampla is scaling the next generation of materials to revolutionise the way we all live.
The Xampla team is a vibrant network of great innovators, sustainability enthusiasts, passionate professionals, and forward-thinkers. Our diverse and inclusive environment helps the team to grow, learn, and truly make a difference to our world. United together, our team of global experts is committed to bring our cutting-edge technology to market.
The role
Public Affairs Intern, with the role of helping us understand:
- Which EU markets are the most likely to adopt plastic-free packaging alternatives based on their current and anticipated regulations, customer demand and other relevant environmental factors. This is to help us determine which markets have the best product-market fit for Morro Coating and ultimately decide where we focus our resources.
- Which markets could become favourable with Public Affairs lobbying, and what that lobbying should consider.
- Start building ROI studies in the identified markets.
Person spec
- Current ARU student from a relevant undergraduate degree course e.g. Business or marketing related courses.
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Clear written communication skills and the ability to present actionable findings
- Strong self-direction and excellent organisational skills
- Commercial awareness and some understanding of business concepts
- Curiosity about how regulation shapes markets
- An individual with a can-do attitude who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the internship the successful intern should be able to demonstrate:
- Conduct structured market and regulatory analysis, including identifying, comparing, and synthesising EU environmental regulations, customer trends, and sustainability drivers to assess product–market fit for emerging technologies.
- Translate research into actionable strategic insights, including identifying markets where public affairs activity could influence adoption and outlining the key considerations for effective lobbying.
- Build simple ROI models using assumptions, market data, and cost inputs to support decision making on market prioritisation and resource allocation.
How to apply: Please click on the 'apply' button ensuring your CV is attached along with a cover letter which showcases your relevant skills and experience for the role.