Research Assistant Internships

2025 scheme open for applications!

Research Assistant Internships allow LISS DTP funded PhD students to work as a Research Assistant with an academic (other than their immediate supervisor) based at King’s, Queen Mary, or Imperial. The internships are funded through LISS DTP in the form of a stipend extension for up to 3-months (or part-time equivalent).

These internships provide several benefits such as the opportunity to work with a larger team of researchers, practice in academic writing, training in research methods, networking and dissemination, collaboration with external partners, and potential for publication.

Research Assistant Internship funding:

• Students whose funding commenced after October 2024 (DTP2) are expected to complete a 3-month (13 week) placement during their PhD. The placement period is included as part of the standard 3.5 year award. Students who do not complete a placement will have their funding reduced to 3.25 years. There are no limits to the number of Research Assistant Internships that can be funded for DTP2 studentsthis academic year.
• Students beginning their studentship before October 2024 (DTP1) can apply to do an internship, and if approved, can have their stipend extended for the duration of the internship (up to 3-months). Please note that LISS DTP can fund 4 Research Assistant Internships for DTP1 students this academic year. They will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. These places have now been filled for this academic year.
• Other ESRC funded DTPs may approve internship funding for these RA projects for their PhD students. PhD students from other ESRC funded DTPs should check with their DTP that this is permitted, and follow any guidance on applying for funding approval for internships and placements.

Please note:

• Research Assistant Internships must not be undertaken with the student’s current supervisor and/or home department.
• Please note that LISS DTP can fund 4 Research Assistant Internships for DTP1 students this academic year. They will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. These places have now been filled for this academic year.

How to apply:

• LISS DTP (or other ESRC funded DTP) students can apply for specific research assistant internships, following the application requirements for the project.
• The project supervisor is responsible for selecting the student to take up the internship.
• If selected by the project supervisor:
  • LISS DTP students must then complete the LISS DTP Placement /Internship Application form. This ensures that there is approval of PhD supervisor, and the necessary information is obtained to extend funding (for DTP1 students) or confirm placement requirement fulfilled (for DTP2 students), and to fulfil ESRC reporting obligations. LISS DTP approval must be given before the RA internship can commence.
  • Other ESRC-funded DTP students should follow the internship application processes from their home DTP.

Current Research Assistant Internship Projects:

Past Research Assistant Internship Projects (for reference only)