Job summary
6-8-week paid placements
Flexible start dates from June-September 2025
Can be completed flexibly, full or part time
Open to undergraduates in their first, second or third year of studies of a relevant discipline (such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social care fields)
Whether you've always been interested in research or you're just starting to think about it, this fully funded summer internship could be your perfect opportunity to find out more.
We're offering three exciting National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) internship placements with experienced, supportive research teams based in Leicester.
No prior research experience is needed -- just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.
You'll also be supported to develop key skills in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital working -- all of which are transferable to any career.
- A fully paid 6-8-week internship at AfC Band 5
- Up to £1,000 (per intern) in travel and accommodation expenses
- Mentoring from supportive, experienced researchers
- Opportunities to present your work
- A warm, inclusive learning environment
Main duties of the job
Each intern will contribute to a real-world healthcare research project, gaining hands-on experience which includes:
- Participant recruitment and data collection
- Helping deliver and monitor interventions
- Attending journal clubs, reflective sessions, and learning sets
- Presenting findings and writing a reflective blog
- Working with public contributors and diverse research teams
- Learning more about future research career pathways
About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Job description
Job responsibilities
Who can apply?
Youll need to be:
Studying (second or third year) or recently completed (not yet started employment) an undergraduate course in a relevant discipline (such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or social care).
- Able to commit to the full 6-8-week programme (proposed dates JuneSept, but this can be a flexible start)
- Open to learning and trying new things no research experience required!
We actively welcome applications from:
- People from ethnically diverse backgrounds
- Those who are neurodivergent or living with a disability
- Those who are first in their family to attend university or anyone from a lower-income or widening participation background
- People with caring responsibilities
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
Well offer reasonable adjustments and are committed to making this internship accessible and supportive for everyone.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a short personal statement and a CV. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview but there will be no requirement to do a presentation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Who can apply?
Youll need to be:
Studying (second or third year) or recently completed (not yet started employment) an undergraduate course in a relevant discipline (such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or social care).
- Able to commit to the full 6-8-week programme (proposed dates JuneSept, but this can be a flexible start)
- Open to learning and trying new things no research experience required!
We actively welcome applications from:
- People from ethnically diverse backgrounds
- Those who are neurodivergent or living with a disability
- Those who are first in their family to attend university or anyone from a lower-income or widening participation background
- People with caring responsibilities
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
Well offer reasonable adjustments and are committed to making this internship accessible and supportive for everyone.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a short personal statement and a CV. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview but there will be no requirement to do a presentation.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Currently studying (first, second or third year), an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. (Please note we will consider a broad range of disciplines such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or social care)
Experience
Essential
- Interest in research or improving care through evidence-based practice
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential
- Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team
Other Requirements Specific to the Role
Essential
- Ability to commit to the full programme (between 6-8 weeks, to be agreed with each applicant)
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Currently studying (first, second or third year), an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. (Please note we will consider a broad range of disciplines such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or social care)
Experience
Essential
- Interest in research or improving care through evidence-based practice
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential
- Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team
Other Requirements Specific to the Role
Essential
- Ability to commit to the full programme (between 6-8 weeks, to be agreed with each applicant)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
