Student Opportunities

24 fully-funded three year Biomedical Research Centre - NIHR funded studentship across 5 major research themes 

Date advertised: 06 March 2023

Application deadline: 31st of March

Location: South West  of England 

Duration:  3 years 

For further information and to apply click here: Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter 

The National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Exeter (NIHR Exeter BRC) is a collaboration between University of Exeter (UoE), The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHS Royal Devon) and other SW NHS organisations. 

The NIHR Exeter BRC will focus on five major, complementary research themes:

• Neurodegeneration: We will find and test new, better drugs that prevent and treat major brain conditions in older adults such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

• Rehabilitation: We will use exciting new approaches to help older people to recover from illness or manage their long-term conditions like dementia and arthritis. This will include using technology to improve movement, maintain brain health and prevent falls.

• Diabetes: We will improve the way diabetes is diagnosed and treated, and we will explore how to help those most at risk of developing the disease.

• Genetics and Genomics: We will unlock the power of genetics, using it to improve diagnosis of rare illnesses in children and rare cancers, and to create treatments for common diseases that can be tailored to different people based on their unique genetic profile.

• Clinical Mycology: We will seek better treatments to prevent and manage fungal infections that are common in the UK and understand better how fungi become resistant to drug treatments.

University of Exeter PhD Scholarships Programme for Black British Researchers

The new University of Exeter PhD Scholarship programme for Black British Researchers is now open for applications for a September 2023 start. General information about the programme can be found here. 

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has one dedicated studentship to award via this programme and application information can be found here.

The closing date for submission of applications is midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 26th April 2023.

There will be a webinar for applicants on 30th March 2023 to answer any questions about the scholarships scheme or the application process, and to support applicants in how complete their application (such as how to prepare their academic CV or research proposal).  Applicants can register their interest in attending the webinar here.

Professor Kate Ellacott, Director of Postgraduate Research, can also be contacted if you need help finding a potential supervisor: k.ellacott@exeter.ac.uk

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Careers - Internships and Accelerate Scheme

Internships (12 weeks, Paid)

• CRUK has intakes of interns approx. 3 times a year

• Applications for next intake opens Spring 2023

• No pre-requisites required – more about your skills and interests/motivations

• Multiple business areas: Scientific Research; Tech; Finance; HR; Marketing, Fundraising, Events; Policy, Information, Communication

Accelerate Scheme

• Two-year rotational programme – short placements within chosen business area

• No pre-requisites required – more about your skills and interests/motivations

• Progression opportunities after the two-years within CRUK

To find out more about early career opportunities with Cancer Research UK, follow this link

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) pre-doctoral fellowships

NIHR Pre-doctoral Fellowships are designed to support students about to graduate who want to develop a career in health and social care research methodology. The award can fund a salary for up to 2 years as well as funding to undertake a masters in a range of relevant research methodologies at institutions throughout the UK. Research areas include:

• Medical statistics

• Health economics

• Clinical trial design

• Operational research

• Modelling

• Bioinformatics

• Qualitative research

• Mixed methods

• Epidemiological Methods

Successful applicants will start their Fellowship between September 2023 and March 2024.

The closing deadline for applications: Thursday 16 March.

Further information and how to apply can be found here: Pre-doctoral Fellowship (Round 5)

Graduate Opportunities with MSD (Merck & Co.) Pharmaceuticals now available

MSD is a pharmaceutical company (in the United States and Canada, known as Merck & Co., Inc.) specialising in researching, developing and supplying new medicines and vaccines that prevent and treat diseases that occur at every stage of life.

We are searching for students and graduates to join our unforgettable #EarlyTalent programme.

Are you interested in making an #impact at a global company?

Check out our socials and hear from real #PlacementStudents and #Graduates to learn more! bit.ly/3SxDrBH

Date advertised: 5th October 2022

Application deadline: apply now!

Start date: flexible

Location: UK (London and Edinburgh) but also opportunities globally

Duration: open-ended

For further information and to apply:  For further career opportunities at MSD, please visit the following weblink: Student Opportunities at MSD UK | MSD Careers

Career Mentor Scheme at the University of Exeter

The Career Mentor Scheme is a popular employability scheme which matches experienced professionals with a mentee (current student, recent graduate or Graduate Business Partner), to meet monthly for sector insights and one to one careers advice and guidance over a six month period.

Applications will reopen in the Spring term for the June - November 2023 Career Mentor Scheme.

For further information on the Career Mentoring Scheme and how to apply, please visit: Career Mentor Scheme | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Excellent Volunteer Opportunities Available at MNDA:

General Volunteer 

Social Media Coordinator 

Media Relations Volunteer

Newsletter Editor

Application deadline: ongoing

Location: MNDA Exeter & East Devon Branch

 Apply here!

Four-year, Fully-Funded PhD Doctoral Training Programmes (DTPs) available to apply to now!

There are some excellent fully-funded four-year PhD programmes (often referred to as Doctoral Training Programmes, DTPs, some which include a research MSc.) offered by top institutes each year (closing deadlines are normally in November-February prior to commencing the programme in September or October) that are well worth considering.  For example:

• • Wellcome Trust MRes + PhD in Stem Cell Biology | University of Cambridge (cam.ac.uk) - 6th January application deadline

  • NERC GW4+DTP | Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees | University of Exeter - 9th January application deadline

  • UCL-Birkbeck MRC-funded DTP - 9th January application deadline

  • The London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Consortium, BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership - 10th January application deadline

  • MRC London Intercollegiate Doctoral Training Partnership Studentships - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine & St. George's University of London - 15th January application deadline

Applications have now closed for the following DTPs, but may be advertised again for 24/25 entry:

• • MultiSci MRC DTP | Faculty of Medicine | Imperial College London 

  • Doctoral Training Partnership in Biomedical Sciences (MRC) - King's College, London 

  • Wellcome Trust PhD Training Programme in Neuro-Immune Interactions in Health and Disease | King’s College London (kcl.ac.uk) 

  • Wellcome Trust Advanced Therapies for Regenerative Medicine | King’s College London (kcl.ac.uk) 

Summer 2022 Internships with the Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx)

The Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx) is delighted to invite talented undergraduate students to apply for a School for Primary Care Research Summer Internship. Students will gain hands-on experience of primary care research whilst under the supervision of a specialised team of mentors and supervisors. Experiences may include training in research methods, literature reviewing, designing a research study, analysis of secondary data, and attendance at team meetings and seminars. 

• Internships will last six weeks and will take place between 20th June and 23rd September.

• A bursary of £1,000 will be available to support each intern.

• The start date and use of funds are flexible, will be agreed with the research lead in advance, and can be tailored to the individual and proposed project.

Date advertised: 4th March 2022

Application deadline: 5pm Tuesday 3rd May 2022

Location: University of Exeter

Further information and to apply: 

To apply: please email Sara Hayes (S.Hayes@exeter.ac.uk) copying Jo Butterworth (J.E.Butterworth@exeter.ac.uk) by 5pm on Tuesday 3rd May 2022 and attach:

• Your completed Expression of Interest form

• Your CV

Full information on the Internships offered can be viewed here

Further information about the APEx team and our core research interests can be found on the website http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/research/healthresearch/apex/ 

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1year Biology Industrial Placements, September 2022 - Investigate and characterize PROTAC pharmacology in immuno-oncology and oncology indications.

GSK are a science-led global healthcare company that researches and develops innovative Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines products. Within the Protein Degradation Group, we support the ongoing drug discovery efforts by exploring targeted protein degradation techniques. PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have attracted great attention as an alternative to the more common small molecule approach to treat diseases. 

Date advertised: 15th November 2021

Application deadline: 

Location: Stevenage, UK

Further information and to apply: Biological Sciences, Industrial Placement, UK - 2022 in Stevenage, United Kingdom | GSK Careers 

AstraZeneca - Research and Development (R&D) Graduate Programme – Bioscience - UK

Starting in September 2023, the programme lasts two years, consisting of three individual eight month placements. Each placement will provide you with fantastic insights in to drug discovery and development and the opportunity to expand your knowledge of our therapy areas.

If you have a Bioscience/Life science based bachelors degree and a desire to explore your scientific potential within a global biopharmaceutical organisation, our BioscienceResearch and Development (R&D) Graduate Programme could be the perfect start to your career. You’ll gain invaluable insight, exposure and opportunities across our diverse, Research and Development organisation. We’ll accelerate your learning and help you achieve your potential as a research scientist.

Date advertised: 8th November 2022

Application deadline: 8th January 2023

Start date: September 2023

Location: Cambridge, UK

Duration: Two years

For further information and to apply:  Research and Development (R&D) Graduate Programme – Bioscience - UK at AstraZeneca

Operations Global Graduate Associates Programme  with AstraZeneca

Starting in September 2022, the Operations Graduate Programme begins with three individual eight-month placements. Each placement will provide you with extraordinary insights into our business, and the chance to influence our future direction. If successful during the first 2 years, you will then consolidate your learning and experience in your third year in the programme.

A flexible programme with global opportunities, our Operations Graduate Associates Programme is a platform for progression, connection, ownership, and accountability. In our global and regional functions, you could develop your knowledge of Supply Chain, Logistics, External Sourcing & Global Quality. Our corporate functions offer the opportunity to develop your skills and experience across Procurement, Information Technology, and Engineering.

Date advertised: 6th October 2021

Application deadline: 28th November 2021

Location: Macclesfield, UK 

Further information and to apply: Job ID R-121050  

GW4 Biomed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership - PhD opportunities in the SW and Wales

The GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP offers competitive, fully-funded studentships in one of our three research themes:

• Infection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Repair

• Neuroscience and Mental Health

• Population Health Sciences

About 60 medical research council (MRC)-funded PhD projects in medical research will be advertised from the 11th October 2021.

Date advertised: 11th October 2021

Application deadline: 26th November 5pm

Location: Exeter, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff

Further information and to apply: How to Apply for Students – GW4 Biomed 

GW4+ DTP Widening Participation Summer Research Experience Placements

Are you interested in undertaking an 8 week Research Experience Placement project this summer?

The NERC GW4+ DTP are offering these 12 funded opportunities to UG students within all science departments, all geographical and environmental science departments and all mathematical and computing departments.

They are for undergraduate students from groups historically under-represented in science research to gain some experience of the research environment at a university or research institute and a taste of hands-on research work to address a science question in an independent project.

Date advertised: 26th May 2022

Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Monday 20 June and any queries should be sent to gw4plus-dtp@bristol.ac.uk

Start date: Summer 2022 (for up to 8 weeks)

Location: South West England

Duration: 8 week summer projects

Full details of each project, the eligibility criteria and information on ‘How to Apply’ is given in the DTP website link. 

FOUR to SIX-week lab placements  |  Year 2 Students

Want to expand your lab-skills portfolio and CV? Then this is for you!

We are offering FOUR to SIX-week summer lab placements for year 2 students. These placements will provide you with an opportunity to gain an insight into what it is like working alongside life science and clinical researchers within a laboratory setting or remotely.

During the placement, your supervisor will get you familiarised with the necessary health and safety practices and Bio secure protocols, if applicable.   

The structure of these placements is reasonably flexible, but you are expected to devote 40-60hrs over FOUR to SIX-week period to placement activities, which could include lab meetings and seminars. Please agree with your placement supervisor what your daily structure will be during the placement, and to clarify what their expectations are of you as a placement student and what your expectations are from them as your placement supervisor from the very outset. 

Here is the list of available placements, which you can rank in order of preference in the placement application form (link here).  Please answer honestly to the questions on the application form.

Selection will be based partly on application question responses but will also involve random selection.  We are anticipating far more applications than there are placements available, so please be prepared to be unsuccessful with your application. 

If you are interested in completing these lab placements in June/July, please complete the placement application form by Tuesday the 3rd of May 2022.

GOOD LUCK! 

Suitable for: Any year 2 student taking BSc. Medical Sciences, Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences, Neuroscience who meet the criteria

Date advertised: 05 April 2022

Application deadline:  03 May 2022

Location: University of Exeter / Remote

University of Exeter's A2I Student Widening Participation (WP) Funding

This fund helps undergraduate students, who meet the Widening Participation (WP) Criteria arrange a 4 week (140 hour) paid internship with a UK Small Medium Organisation (SME; an organisation with less than 250 employees) registered Charity, Statutory Organisation or University of Exeter Academic or Professional Service. A bursary may also be available to help with any personal costs on a UK paid internship. All funds are issued on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Date advertised: 28th March 2022

Application deadline: Funding applications close Friday 13th May 2022 for internships at the University of Exeter, and Friday 10th June 2022 for all other qualifying internships.

Location: University of Exeter and UK-wide

Further information and to apply: A2I Student Widening Participation (WP) Funding | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Exciting PhD positions at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Would you like to contribute your creativity to an international team of scientists from various disciplines focusing on basic research in the area of molecular life sciences?

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) invites you to apply for PhD positions in Heidelberg, Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Hinxton (near Cambridge) and Rome. We welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds, such as in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering and Molecular Medicine.

EMBL provides PhD students with a starting platform for a successful career in science by fostering early independence and interdisciplinary research. The enriching encounter of different nationalities, the friendly and collaborative atmosphere, and the passion for science is what unites EMBL’s diverse staff and provides an ideal setting to forge long-lasting connections and make studying at EMBL a formative experience. Our PhD positions are fully funded and offer broad healthcare and pension benefits.

Full details on how to submit your online application are available by clicking the button below.

The deadline for submitting the application is 19 April 2022. Recruited candidates would start their work at EMBL latest by mid-October 2022.

Date advertised: 23rd February 2022

Application deadline: 19th April 2022

Location: EU and UK

Further information and to apply: EMBL International PhD Programme - 2022 Summer Recruitment at European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) (jobs.ac.uk)

Possibilities for Funded Summer Schools and Programmes for Summer 2022 - Study Abroad!

The University of Exeter's Global Opportunities team wish to highlight a number of opportunities for undergraduate students to study abroad on selected programmes during summer 2022.  A list of study abroad opportunities that may be supported by funding are provided below.

• Research Lab Internships - Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic - registration deadline is the 15th April

• Open Source Health Solutions - Geneva Summer Schools • SDG Summer School - registration deadline is the 30th April

• Health Inequalities & What to do About Them - University of Groningen Summer Schools - registration deadline is the 1st May 2022

Alternatively, why not think ahead - many of these opportunities may be available again for Summer 2023!

To view the types of funding available to support students on selected programmes whilst they study abroad, see webpages below. The Global Opportunities Team will be happy to help you with any queries related to funding.

Summer Schools | Go Abroad | University of Exeter

Home - Summer Schools in Europe

Lower Saxony International Summer Academy in Immunology - a 1 week programme designed for students with a strong interest in immunology - registration deadline is the 30th April 2022

There is additional funding available to support students on selected programmes whilst they study abroad, see webpages below:

Summer School Scholarship Fund | Go Abroad | University of Exeter

Santander Summer School and Short Programme Fund | Go Abroad | University of Exeter

6-8 week Undergraduate Summer Internships (Translational Research Exchange, Exeter)

These awards provide promising undergraduates with hands-on experience of research during the summer holidays, with the aim of encouraging them to consider a career in research.

The Translational Research Exchange (TRE) summer internship offers undergraduate students who are not in their first year of study the opportunity to take part in a 6 to 8 weeks research project with an academic supervisor (to be organised with student/supervisor before submission). This programme with take part between July and September 2022 and has been developed to support undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience.

Date advertised: 28th February 2022

Application deadline: 10th April 2022

Location: University of Exeter

Further information and to apply: Summer Internships | Translational Research Exchange @ Exeter | University of Exeter

For some ideas on research areas within the College of Medicine and Health, and to find contact details of potential project supervisors (you may know some from classes they have delivered on your modules!), take a look at the following web pages:

• Research groups | College of Medicine and Health | University of Exeter

• The Institute of Health Research | College of Medicine and Health | University of Exeter

NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme: General Management, Finance, HR, Policy & Strategy, Health Informatics, Health Analytics

Join the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme and make a difference to the lives of millions of people.  We are the biggest employer in Europe and have placements available across England.

Our scheme offers you the opportunity to develop into a future leader in one of our specialisms including management, human resources, finance, policy and data analytics. Our trainees work in a range of organisations and types of services. You could be improving patient care in a busy hospital department or developing better ways of using data to improve key services as part of an office-based team. You will face challenges and enjoy success on a scheme where no two days are the same. This could be the start of an amazing journey.

Date advertised: 8th November 2021

Application deadline: 13th November 2021

Location: Nation-wide

Further information and to apply:  Graduate Management Training Scheme (graduates.nhs.uk) 

I would urge anyone applying to familiarise themselves with the Civil Service Success Profiles, particularly the behaviours for HEO/SEO grade and consider examples from their work/extracurricular/academic life which demonstrate these. Most (if not all) stages of the application are assessed based on the candidate’s demonstration of the behaviours/strengths listed in the job advert.

NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme: The Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) Health Policy Fast-Track Scheme

The Health Policy Fast Track Scheme (HPFTS) is a three-year DHSC leadership development Scheme that provides a fully financially supported study package towards a postgraduate qualification in Health Policy. The HPFTS provides a fantastic opportunity to shape and influence policies that will positively impact people’s health and wellbeing. It will open exciting new doors and give you hands-on experience of working closely with Government, in an unprecedented time.  

Date advertised: 22th October 2021

Application deadline: 13th November 2021

Location: DHSC’s headquarters in either Leeds or London 

Further information and to apply: 

The Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Health Policy Fast Track Scheme – Graduate Management Training Scheme (graduates.nhs.uk) 

Comprehensive version of the job advert: DHSC Health Policy Fast Track Scheme 2022 - Youth Employment UK 

I would urge anyone applying to familiarise themselves with the Civil Service Success Profiles, particularly the behaviours for HEO/SEO grade and consider examples from their work/extracurricular/academic life which demonstrate these. Most (if not all) stages of the application are assessed based on the candidate’s demonstration of the behaviours/strengths listed in the job advert.