Current Placement Opportunities
Location and travel considerations
Some opportunities on this page are based outside the North East and Northern Ireland. Most can be managed through hybrid engagement, but occasional placements may not be a practical option for many students, and NINE is not able to provide funding to support regular long distance travel or accommodation. However, we do not wish to exclude opportunities that may be accessible to some students because of existing personal circumstances. Please consider the location requirement, travel expectations and any associated costs before progressing.
Centre for Adult Social Care Research
Parkinson’s UK’s policy influencing placement
AMOSSHE Policy and Research Internship
LISS DTP Research Assistant Internship Scheme
Evaluating the current use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Manufacturing
A cross-disciplinary group within The University of Sheffield is planning a large multi-national project aiming to develop a detailed, and in-depth, understanding of the current landscape relating to the use of Artificial Intelligence for Manufacturing.
Understanding the role of personalised manufacturing in reducing healthcare inequalities
The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering is looking for a Research Assistant to investigate the ways in which the design of medical devices and other products influences healthcare inequalities
Kew Gardens PhD Placement Scheme
Evaluating how architectural designs influence service delivery, occupant wellbeing, and social connectivity
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Co-develop a placement opportunitiy with one of our partners
About
The 4 Day Week Foundation are the UK's national campaigning organisation for a four-day week. They are independent, non-partisan and are campaigning across the UK for a four-day, 32 hour working week with no loss of pay for workers.
This is an exciting role with one of the UK’s most prominent campaigns at an important time for the four-day week movement. Over 200 companies in the UK, which includes over 5,000 workers, have permanently adopted a reduced hours four-day week with no loss of pay for employees, with the vast majority reducing working hours to 32 hours a week or less.
You will be part of a volunteer-led organisation with a small staff team punching above its weight in terms of impact. You will be supported in this role and line-managed by our Campaign Director.
Placement information
The student placement will support the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies and projects that further the objectives of the 4 Day Week Foundation. The role will involve a combination of research, project management and communication tasks to help push forward the campaign’s mission to promote the adoption of a four-day working week across the UK.
Key Responsibilities:
- Programme and Event Support:
- Support the planning, organising, and execution of a national programme of 4 Day Week Employer events.
- Coordinate logistics, communications, and stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth event delivery.
- Research
- Lead on research into our priority business sectors for implementation: education, local government, technology and manufacturing
- Project Support:
- Take on project management responsibilities for assigned tasks, working alongside colleagues in the campaign team to ensure successful delivery.
- Collaboration with Trade Unions:
- Working alongside our lead organiser, you will partner with the Trade Union movement to promote and support the introduction of a four-day week in workplaces across the country.
- Assist with any union-related initiatives, outreach, and planning.
- Communication and Advocacy:
- Support with drafting and distributing our monthly newsletter to campaign supporters, highlighting key developments, events, and initiatives.
- Coordinate monthly volunteer meetings and assist with the organisation of the annual AGM.
- Lead on drafting op-eds, articles, and other written materials when appropriate to promote campaign messages.
- Building Partnerships:
- Work on identifying and establishing relationships with new organisations, potential collaborators, and allies who can support the campaign.
- Help create and maintain strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the campaign’s ecosystem.
Benefits of Placement:
- Gain experience in campaign management and political advocacy.
- Develop skills in event management, research, and stakeholder engagement.
- Contribute to a high-profile national and international campaign for workplace reform.
- Build valuable connections with campaigners, policymakers, and organisations in the field.
Working arrangements
Remote
4 Day Week Foundation will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx 200 words) to introduce yourself to Joe Ryle, Campaign Director [email protected]
This should include your research area, key skills you offer, or wish to develop (e.g. qualitative, data analysis, policy work), any relevant experience beyond your PhD, and the type of work or impact you’re interested in exploring through a placement.
Please use the email subject line: “PhD Research Placement enquiry - [Host Organisation name]”.
About
Exploring New Ways of Creating, Communicating and Sharing Knowledge
The Creative Impact Lab is a collaborative space supporting innovative approaches to research, impact, engagement, and knowledge exchange.
We work with researchers, students, communities, artists, policymakers, and practitioners to develop creative methods and outputs that enhance the reach, accessibility, and impact of research.
Through placements, postgraduate researchers have the opportunity to contribute to real projects while developing valuable skills in creative research practice, public engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Lab provides a space for experimentation, collaboration, and professional development, supporting researchers in:
•Creative research methods
•Public and community engagement
•Research impact development
•Arts-science collaborations
•Exhibition and curation projects
•Digital storytelling and multimedia
•Creative mapping and visualisation
•Participatory and co-produced research
•Innovative communication of research findings
Placement information
Placements are designed to provide meaningful experience while contributing to ongoing Lab activities and research initiatives. Projects may include areas such as:
Creative Methods Development
Creating workshop activities and resources; developing methodological toolkits; reviewing and synthesising literature; producing training materials.
Research Impact and Engagement
Designing public engagement activities; supporting impact planning and evaluation; developing communication strategies; creating stakeholder-facing outputs.
Digital Storytelling
Podcast production; short films and video content; story maps and digital narratives; social media and online engagement.
Exhibition and Curation
Exhibition design; interpretation and storytelling; creative dissemination of research; community-facing outputs.
Creative Mapping and Visualisation
Participatory mapping projects; creative cartography; data visualisation; visual communication of research findings.
Lab Development Projects
Building digital resources; developing case study repositories; creating methods databases; supporting new initiatives and partnerships.
No prior experience in creative methods is required. We value curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate and try new approaches.
Why join the Creative Impact Lab?
Placements offer the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate across disciplines, and gain experience beyond traditional academic research. You may explore creative approaches to knowledge production, build professional networks, and develop a range of transferable skills.
The Lab provides a supportive environment where you can test new ideas, build confidence, and experiment with different approaches to research and impact.
Working arrangements
Location/working pattern/
[Host] will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx 200 words) to introduce yourself to Danai-Maria Kontou [email protected]
This should include your research area, key skills you offer, or wish to develop (e.g. qualitative, data analysis, policy work), any relevant experience beyond your PhD, and the type of work or impact you’re interested in exploring through a placement.
Please use the email subject line: “PhD Research Placement enquiry - [Host Organisation name]”.
About
The Design Feminisms Research Group is an inclusive feminist research community based within Northumbria University's School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries. The group explores how feminist perspectives can shape research, teaching and practice, with a focus on addressing social inequalities through creative, participatory and community-led approaches.
This placement opportunity is linked to the work of Dr Angelika Strohmayer, whose research focuses on supporting women and young people experiencing marginalisation, health inequalities, abuse and harm. Current research explores topics including addiction recovery, care proceedings, extra-familial harms, community support and the role of place in shaping lived experiences.
Placement Information
Students will have the opportunity to contribute to community-based, participatory and co-produced research projects working alongside researchers, community partners and people with lived experience.
Depending on the timing of the placement and the student's interests, activities may include:
- Participatory and community-led research
- Research design and project development
- Literature reviews and evidence synthesis
- Qualitative data collection and analysis
- Public engagement and knowledge exchange
- Creative and co-design methods
- Policy engagement and impact activities
- Research dissemination and publication
Placements are developed collaboratively and will be shaped around both project needs and student learning objectives.
Relevant interests and experience
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for students interested in:
- Participatory and action research
- Co-production and community engagement
- Feminist approaches to research
- Creative research methods
- Policy and social impact
- Health inequalities, care, recovery and marginalisation
Previous experience is not essential. Enthusiasm for participatory, creative and community-focused research is more important than specialist knowledge.
Working arrangements
Hybrid or on-site at Design Feminisms Research Group studio, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne
DFRG will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx 200 words) to introduce yourself to:
Dr Angelika Strohmayer
Associate Professor in School of Design, Arts, and Creative Industries
Co-Director of Design Feminisms Research Group
Co-Lead of the Gendered Violence and Abuse Interdisciplinary Research Theme
[email protected]
This should include your research area, key skills you offer, or wish to develop (e.g. qualitative, data analysis, policy work), any relevant experience beyond your PhD, and the type of work or impact you’re interested in exploring through a placement.
About
Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Newcastle is a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) initiative hosted by Newcastle City Council, working in partnership with Newcastle University to reduce health inequalities across the city. As one of 30 HDRCs nationally, we aim to strengthen the Council’s ability to use and generate high quality research that informs robust, evidence‑based decision making and delivers meaningful improvements to people’s lives.
Our work focuses on the wider social determinants of health, including employment, education and housing, recognising the critical role these factors play in shaping health and wellbeing beyond healthcare services alone. We welcome collaboration across our Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) and offer a range of opportunities for engagement, including but not limited to student placements.
By working closely with local authority colleagues, we provide a unique, practice‑focused research environment where projects are grounded in real‑world policy and priorities, ensuring outputs are relevant, timely, and impactful for Newcastle’s communities.
Placement information
Overview
This placement offers an opportunity to work within HDRC Newcastle with a focus on selecting or shaping a short research project aligned to a locally identified priority topic where evidence is needed to inform decision making.
Depending on the chosen focus area, placement students may undertake:
- Evidence synthesis (e.g. literature reviews)
- Evaluation reports
- Data analysis (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods)
- Preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders
- Engagement with VCSE organisations and communities
- Supporting knowledge mobilisation
Host
The placement will be based within the multidisciplinary HDRC team which includes expertise in data and analytics (including AI and data science), governance and organisational culture and public involvement and community engagement. The project will also involve collaboration with staff in the wider Council, depending on the focus area identified.
Experience
Students will gain experience in applying research to real-world policy and service challenges within the context of local authority decision-making frameworks. Being based in the HDRC also offers opportunities to connect with the national HDRC network as well as other local authorities and research infrastructure organisations.
This placement will be particularly valuable for those interested in careers in policy, local government, applied research, or knowledge mobilisation, offering insight into how evidence is used in complex decision-making environments.
Working arrangements
Hybrid, with a Newcastle upon Tyne city centre office.
Newcastle HDRC will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx. 200 words) to introduce yourself to [email protected]
This should include your research area, key skills you offer, or wish to develop (e.g. qualitative, data analysis, policy work), any relevant experience beyond your PhD, and the type of work or impact you’re interested in exploring through a placement.
Please also include links to the specific ARI/s that you may be interested in exploring.
Please use the email subject line: “PhD Research Placement enquiry - [Host Organisation name]”.
Interested applicants will be invited to an informal online conversation with relevant members of HDRC Newcastle/Newcastle City Council teams, depending on the focus area identified.
About
Who we are - Centre For Life is a dynamic science hub in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne where scientists, clinicians, technologists and educationalists work side-by-side on one site.
Opening in 2000, Life is a unique concept and business model, unlike anything else in the world.
The NHS and Newcastle University are key partners onsite; the pioneering research and patient treatments carried out here have earned international recognition and are helping people live better lives.
Placement information
Details of prospective placement activity will follow shortly
Working arrangements
Life will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx 200 words) to introduce yourself.
This should include your research area, key skills you offer, or wish to develop (e.g. qualitative, data analysis, policy work), any relevant experience beyond your PhD, and the type of work or impact you’re interested in exploring through a placement.
Please use the email subject line: “PhD Research Placement enquiry - [Host Organisation name]”.
About
Into the Light / Durham University (Evaluation & Research Partner)
Into the Light is a county‑wide place‑based creative collaboration delivered by ten cultural partners across County Durham. It aims to cultivate talent, widen access to creative education, develop the cultural workforce, and connect communities through culture. Durham University is the programme’s Evaluation & Research Partner, supporting research, micro‑evaluations and knowledge mobilisation across programme strands (Grow, Cultivate, Engage).
Placement information
A research in practice placement would contributes directly to the strand‑level “micro‑evaluations” that underpin the cumulative learning of Into the Light’s evaluation work, and support Into the Light’s ambition to turn research and evaluation findings into meaningful policy insights.
Placements support meaningful research activity within one project area (e.g., PLACE Lab, Ensemble ’84, Durham Creative & Cultural Skills Hub, Light Years, PULSE, Cultivate Commissions or Future Skills).
Because each strand presents distinct research or policy opportunities, the opportunity is purposefully flexible. The exact focus and methods will be shaped collaboratively with the PGR to align with their skills, disciplinary background, and research interests.
A Research Assistant would generate high‑quality mixed‑methods evidence that enables Into the Light to understand and demonstrate impact, inform future programming, and share learning with partners and policy stakeholders.
Specific duties will be agreed with the PGR, but may include:
- Co‑designing an appropriate micro‑evaluation plan for a chosen strand.
- Developing data collection tools (e.g., short surveys, interviews, observation templates).
- Conducting fieldwork such as observing workshops, attending performances, visiting community sites, or gathering participant feedback.
- Analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data and synthesising findings.
- Preparing a clear, well‑structured micro‑evaluation report.
- Creating short, accessible outputs for public use (e.g., infographic, blog, social cards).
- Liaising with delivery partners to ensure evaluation activity is ethical, proportionate, and community‑sensitive.
A Policy Assistant would translate evidence emerging from micro‑evaluations and strand‑level activity into concise, accessible policy outputs that can influence local stakeholders (e.g., Durham County Council, education partners, cultural workforce organisations). The work strengthens knowledge mobilisation across the Into the Light partnership and contributes directly to the wider evaluation programme.
Example activity could include:
- Conduct rapid evidence scans around creative place partnerships, cultural education, skills pipelines and participatory arts impacts.
- Synthesise micro‑evaluation data from ongoing strands (e.g., PLACE Lab, Ensemble ’84, Skills Hub).
- Undertake light-touch stakeholder interviews or spotlight conversations with delivery partners and policy‑adjacent organisations.
- Produce policy‑facing outputs including policy briefs, a knowledge‑mobilisation toolkit, and a spotlight session deck.
- Liaise with DU Policy team / UPEN team to identify relevant training opportunities and integrate best practice into outputs.
Working arrangements
Full time or part time.
Hybrid.
Office location: Boldon House, Durham University
Fieldwork may involve in‑person visits to partner sites such as Weardale, Shildon, or Peterlee, depending on project focus.
Into The Light will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please complete the Expression of Interest form here Into the Light: NINEDTP Placement Opportunity – Fill in form
Interested applicants will be invited to an informal online conversation with the Lead Evaluator, Dr Alison Whelan before a short online conversation with the Into the Light team.
About
Founded in 1788, the Linen Hall is the oldest Library in Belfast. It is also an archive and accredited museum. Renowned for its Irish and local studies collection, ranging from comprehensive holdings of early printed books, fantastic resources to support genealogy, strong Irish language and Ulster-Scots collections, and an expansive Theatre and Performing Arts Archive; unique collections by and for the community in a shared space. The Linen Hall’s history and collections is intrinsically linked to the story of Belfast and has a pivotal role to play in understanding all of Northern Ireland’s past.
The Political Collection at the Linen Hall began in 1968 with one civil rights leaflet, and today contains some 350,000 items. It is the definitive record of the Northern Ireland 'troubles' and beyond, charting from the emergence of the civil rights movement, through the peace process to our post conflict society. It is a living collection which we add to by acquisition and donation. Encompassing political and social and economic history, it elucidates the lived experience and is authentically the people’s history. Given the Linen Hall’s independence and ability to collect ‘without fear or favour’, the collection encompasses all shades of opinion and contains material from all perspectives. There is no bias, judgement or censorship. As material was collected contemporaneously, the collection contains a significant number of items which exist in no other collections. The collection underpins our exemplary community engagement (recently, Years of Chaos and Hope; Origins and Legacies of B/GFA; Changemakers), and attracts visitors, students and academics from around the world.
Placement information
We are seeking expressions of interest for internships to undertake detailed research of aspects of the Northern Ireland Political Collection which match your research interests. Internships allow for the gaining of insight into working with rare and unique primary sources and develop skills in the collection, handling and recording of archives. In addition to your research outputs, the internship can include outputs such as community engagement; online exhibitions; blog posts; podcasts; and oral histories etc. Currently, we are particularly interested in research around civil rights.
Working arrangements
Length of placement and start date negotiable, full time or part time hours considered.
Library location: Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North, Belfast, BT1 5GB
Linen Hall will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx. 200 words) to introduce yourself to Monica Cash, Deputy Librarian - [email protected] – mark your email F.A.O Monica Cash
About
Placement information
See Placements - The Autonomy Institute
In recent years, we've hosted placement doctoral students to work with us on a range of projects. The structure of placements is usually decided on a case-by-case basis, taking on board the interests of the student and our ongoing work streams. However, this often includes – but is by no means limited to – contributing to our research (through literature reviews, drafting copy, etc.), writing for our website blog, taking part in project formation, organising events, and beyond. While each placement varies, we hope students will be able to further develop research skills honed in academia in the differing context of an impact-driven, fast-paced think tank.
As an indication, recent placement students have:
- Contributed data work to research on working time reduction in Iceland.
- Authored a blog series on the history of sex work activism around welfare.
- Written on the history of digital futures.
- Undertaken a visual/text-based mapping project for the 'asylum-industrial' complex.
There is much beyond this however, with placement students often working on longer-term projects as part of the wider Autonomy team. We'd encourage students to take a look at recent outputs on our website as an indication of our current work streams, in order to gauge what may interest them the most.
Working arrangements
As we are in London, we envisage placements with NINE taking place largely on a remote basis – however, we usually welcome placement students to our office at some point during their placement, if this is convenient, often as part of one of our 'team days'.
The Autonomy Institute will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Email [email protected] with a short description of your doctoral research alongside a brief paragraph regarding which of Autonomy’s research strands interest you most. We can then arrange a meeting and discuss potential opportunities.
About
Placement information
Placements may be developed around TWN's current programmes and organisational priorities. Depending on organisational need and student interests, opportunities might include:
- Research and evaluation of community and training programmes
- Impact measurement and evidence gathering
- Policy and stakeholder engagement
- Public engagement and communications
- Support for leadership, employability or community development initiatives
- Project development and organisational research
Projects will vary according to current organisational priorities and the skills and interests of the student.
Working arrangements
Length of placement and start date negotiable, full time or part time hours considered.
TWN will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
How to apply
Please submit a short bio (approx. 200 words) to introduce yourself to Norma Shearer, MBE, Chief Executive, Training for Women Network [email protected]
About
Policy Connect is a cross-party think tank. We specialise in supporting parliamentary groups, forums and commissions, delivering impactful policy research and event programmes and bringing together parliamentarians and government in collaboration with academia, business and civil society to help shape public policy in Westminster and Whitehall, so as to improve people’s lives.
Our work focusses on five key policy areas which are: Education & Skills; Industry, Technology & Innovation; Sustainability; Health; and Assistive & Accessible Technology.
We are a social enterprise and are funded by a combination of regular annual membership subscriptions and time-limited sponsorships. We are proud to be a Disability Confident and London Living Wage employer, and a member of Social Enterprise UK.
Placement information
PhD placements at Policy Connect are divided into two ‘routes’: The Research Route and The Policy Route. Once the successful candidate has been slotted into one of our six teams, they will take either the Research or Policy Route.
The Research Route:
- The successful candidate will join a specific policy research project and will work with the related policy/research manager and team to deliver the research.
- Depending on the timeline, this could include:
- conducting interviews with stakeholders,
- organising evidence sessions in Parliament,
- drafting a public Call for Evidence,
- analysing quantitative and/or qualitative data from evidence submissions,
- desk-based research,
- participating in internal Policy Connect meetings, and
- report writing.
The Policy Route:
- The successful candidate will work across several smaller projects within the relevant team and support the various events, research, and communications functions.
- Depending on the timeline this could include:
- organising events in Parliament,
- drafting policy briefs,
- desk-based research,
- responding to parliamentary consultations,
- meeting with stakeholders and parliamentarians,
- writing OpEds and blogs for press and the Policy Connect website,
- participating in internal Policy Connect meetings, and
- support with political monitoring and intelligence gathering.
These are the six teams at Policy Connect:
- Health,
- Sustainability,
- Accessibility,
- Manufacturing and AI,
- Education and Skills, and
- Communications and Events.
Working arrangements
Policy Connect offers both full-time and part-time placement opportunities. Full-time: 35 hours per week (5 days) for 3 months. Part-time: 2-3 days per week for 6 months.
Location: Hybrid. We ask normally London-based candidates to be in our Westminster office at least one day per week; otherwise, remote working is possible.
For students outside of London, another hybrid working arrangement could be discussed.
Policy Connect will make reasonable adjustments and provisions for applicants with declared disabilities. Please do let us know if you have any accessibility requirements for the recruitment/planning process.
About you
Requirements:
- Pursuing a PhD funded through the NINE DTP
- Interest in UK public policy, the UK political system, and the role of think-tanks
- Ability to synthesise research into clear written communication for a wide variety of audiences
- Ability to quickly process written and quantitative and qualitative data
- Good understanding of research methods
Desirable skills:
- Experience in event organisation
- Good knowledge of one of Policy Connect’s focus policy areas or ability to quickly learn about complex policy areas
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) to [email protected].
Your cover letter should include:
- Why you are interested in a placement at Policy Connect
- What you hope to learn from the experience
- Any relevant skills (e.g. event organisation, communications, research)
- When you would like to complete your placement and whether it would be full-time or part-time
- If you have a preference for the Research Route or Policy Route
If successful, the Team and Route will be dependent on preference, expertise and experience of the candidate along with the capacity, timelines and needs of Policy Connect.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
We may also consider co-developed projects where students have a clear policy/research idea in mind which fits Policy Connect’s work.
More information and Past example of Placements at Policy Connect