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- Tasks: Join the Research Committee to review grant applications and engage in insightful discussions.
- Company: Cure Parkinson’s, a leading charity focused on advancing Parkinson’s research.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, build networks, and enhance your research evaluation skills.
- Other info: Voluntary internship with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Experience the grant review process and contribute to impactful Parkinson’s research.
- Qualifications: Must be a PhD student or post-doctoral researcher in Parkinson’s research.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Our internship offers early-career researchers a firsthand experience with the grant review process. In 2023, Cure Parkinson’s launched its Research Committee Internship Programme to give early-career researchers an inside look at how research funding decisions are made. Each year, PhD students and post-doctoral researchers working in preclinical or clinical Parkinson’s research are invited to apply for a one-year, voluntary internship on Cure Parkinson’s Research Committee.
The Research Committee is a group of 16-20 volunteers that review and assess Cure Parkinson’s grant funding applications. It is made up of world-leading research scientists in Parkinson’s, including both preclinical and clinical experts, industry representatives, and people with Parkinson’s. The aim of the initiative is to provide early-career researchers with experience and exposure to the grant review process by joining the research committee on four grant review meetings to evaluate research proposals.
This unique opportunity offers first-hand experience of the grant review process, allowing interns to see what goes into reviewing research proposals and recommending projects for funding. Throughout the year, interns:
- Participate in quarterly Research Committee meetings, where leading Parkinson’s experts review and assess funding applications.
- Are actively involved in reviewing proposals, contributing to discussions and presenting and reviewing applications to the committee.
- Gain mentorship from experienced committee members.
- Build valuable networks within the Parkinson’s research community.
The internship is designed to support the professional development of emerging researchers by providing insights into the charitable research landscape, strengthening critical evaluation skills, and encouraging a broader understanding of the research funding ecosystem. Applicants for these positions must be either a PhD student or in post-doctoral training based in the UK or Europe, working directly in either preclinical or clinical Parkinson’s research.
Since the initiative’s inception in 2023, the internship has supported 5 early-career researchers across 4 different institutions.
Here is what our 2025 interns said about the experience:
“The internship was a fantastic ‘behind the scenes’ opportunity to understand in detail how the grant application process works. I found the discussions among the committee members to be very insightful and it really highlighted to me the importance of having a realistic project timeframe. I would highly recommend that ECRs apply for the research committee position as I found it to be a valuable experience.” – Áine Heffernan, University of Edinburgh
“For those considering applying to the internship scheme, in order to make the most of it, it is really important to remain open to new concepts and methodologies whilst using your own expertise to remain constructively critical. I would recommend this opportunity to anybody who is considering becoming an independent researcher in the future.” – Dr James Conway, University College London
Research Committee Intern employer: Cure Parkinson’s Trust
Contact Detail:
Cure Parkinson’s Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Committee Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past interns and committee members on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. Building connections can give you insights that set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the grant review process. Familiarise yourself with common funding criteria and recent research in Parkinson’s. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After any meeting or interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cure Parkinson’s team and eager to contribute to the research community.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Committee Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in preclinical or clinical Parkinson’s research. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and knowledge!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for Parkinson’s research shine through! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and contribute to the grant review process. Share why this internship matters to you.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your ideas flow logically. This will help us understand your thoughts better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your materials and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cure Parkinson’s Trust
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it fits into the broader context of Parkinson’s studies. Be prepared to discuss your work and its implications, as this will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Grant Review Process
Take some time to understand how grant applications are evaluated. Knowing the key criteria that the committee looks for can help you tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Current Research Trends
Stay updated on the latest developments in Parkinson’s research and funding. Being able to reference recent studies or funding decisions during your interview will show that you’re engaged and knowledgeable about the field.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the committee's work and the internship experience. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.