Grants and Programmes internship scheme 2026/27 in London

We are welcoming applications for our Grants and Programmes internships, with placements from January 2027. The scheme is open to all PhD students (based in a UK university or institute) with funding for a three-month placement that is integral to their programme. Our Grants and Programmes internships are designed to provide future researchers and leaders with a deeper understanding of the UK and international grant review process and career development support programmes, gaining a valuable insight into the wider funding landscape at a critical and exciting time.

The intern will be embedded within the Academy’s Research Talent Policy and Programmes department and, as an early career researcher, will provide valuable perspective in the development of our schemes and programmes. In addition to developing valuable transferable skills, interns will gain insights into all aspects of the Academy’s work and experience working in a non-research focused organisation, including learning about the management of research funding, organising events, science communications and research policy. They will also develop a wider network of contacts, including the Academy’s Fellowship and stakeholders.

Applications are welcomed for three month internships taking place from January to December 2027.

The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK. Our elected Fellows are the UK’s leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service. Our vision is good health for all supported by the best research and evidence. Our mission is to help create an open and progressive research sector to improve the health of people everywhere.

Our strategy for 2022-2032 focuses on the following strategic priorities:

• Influence policy and practice to improve the lives of patients, the public and communities
• Support UK biomedical and health research to strengthen its global competitiveness and reputation
• Support the next generation of researchers to reach their full potential
• Work with our partners to increase the Academy’s impact on global health
• Build our resources to ensure our long-term independence and effectiveness

The Academy is committed to supporting the careers of the next generation of biomedical and health researchers. We do this through our portfolio of grant schemes, our programmes including our mentoring programme, FLIER our flagship leadership programme and our Cross-Sector programme activities, as well as our career development events and our careers policy work.

During the internship, the intern will be involved in a wide variety of activities that will provide them with experience in the management of research funding and career development programmes within health research and related fields. The intern will be involved in tasks that are consistent with the role of a Grants Officer and a Programme Officer at the Academy, and will lead on discrete projects with the support of the wider Research Talent Policy and Programmes department.

The range of activities the intern might be involved in include:

• Supporting our growing portfolio of grant schemes, including assessing eligibility of applicants, identifying peer reviewers, attending decision-making Panel meetings and preparing feedback to the applicants.
• Supporting the delivery of our career development programmes, including our flagship mentoring scheme.
• Assisting in the organisation and delivery of workshops, conferences and other career development events, e.g. arranging venues, preparing conference materials, helping to co-ordinate activities on the day.
• Contributing to the engagement strategy of the Research Talent Policy and Programmes, including working on the Academy’s awardee and alumni programmes.
• Liaising with the Academy’s Fellowship, external stakeholders, funders and other professional bodies.

The scheme is open to all PhD students (based in a university or institute). Students must be funded via their PhD programme for the duration of their internship. A three-month placement should be integral to their programme. This includes three-month internships available through the Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) scheme and other similar schemes. Applications must be endorsed by each student’s primary PhD project supervisor. Candidates must ensure that they leave enough time to secure this endorsement before they submit their application.

Selection criteria:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Attention to detail
• Team player
• Excellent IT skills
• Good literacy and numeracy skills

Competencies:

• Participates in teams and engages with others effectively, understanding the benefits of collaborative working.
• Able to plan own work to ensure maximum effectiveness and prioritises to ensure tasks completed within deadline.
• Shows awareness of the Academy's vision and strategic priorities.
• Considers differing audiences and adapts communication style accordingly.
• Networks effectively with stakeholders internally and externally.
• Respects the diverse values, views and experiences of others.

The Academy is based in central London and operates a hybrid working policy. Interns are encouraged to attend the office for key events and meetings if possible. For interns based outside of London, we would anticipate that they would need access to funds to come to the Academy offices from time to time during their internship. We are open to discussing arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Placements will be offered in three-month blocks for 2027 as follows: January to March, April to June, July to September and October to December 2027. Candidates are invited to indicate their preferred time to undertake the placement in the application form, although we cannot guarantee the timing of placements.

Candidates are asked to supply as part of their application:

• A completed application form that includes an endorsement and supporting statement from their supervisor.
• A short covering letter briefly describing their reasons for applying.
• A CV.

Applications should be submitted electronically and must be received by midday Friday 26 June 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with a selection panel of Academy staff. Interviews will be conducted from the week commencing 6 July 2026. Please direct further questions to Holly Sinclair: holly.sinclair@acmedsci.ac.uk.

Placements on the scheme are allocated on a competitive basis so withdrawal from the scheme once a place is accepted is likely to result in another potential intern being denied the opportunity to participate.