Undergraduate NIHR Research Intern

Job overview

• 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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Who can apply?

You’ll need to be:

• Able to commit to the full 6-8-week programme (proposed dates June–Sept, but this can be a flexible start)
• Open to learning and trying new things — no research experience required!

• 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).

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

We’ll 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.