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Job summary

Main area
Diabetes Research
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
Fixed term: 8 weeks (NIHR Internship)
Hours
Full time
Job ref
358-7225546-COR
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Leicester General Hospital
Town
Leicester
Salary
£29,970 - £36,483 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
16/06/2025 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Undergraduate NIHR Research Intern

NHS AfC: Band 5

AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants can support you as you complete your application. For example, they can check for spelling or grammar errors, or help you to decide what to include.

But they shouldn’t replace your own responses or be used to write the application for you.

Relying too much on AI can negatively impact your chances of success, because automatically generated answers:

  • might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
  • often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won’t show your unique voice and perspective
  • could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience

We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.

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

Working for our organisation

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/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Who can apply?

You’ll 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 June–Sept, 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

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.

 

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • 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 criteria
  • Interest in research or improving care through evidence-based practice

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential criteria
  • Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team

Other Requirements Specific to the Role

Essential criteria
  • Ability to commit to the full programme (between 6-8 weeks, to be agreed with each applicant)

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Hannah Young
Job title
Associate Professor in Lifestyle and Medicine
Email address
[email protected]
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