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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research, analyse data, and present findings to improve government effectiveness.
- Company: Join a leading think-tank dedicated to making government work better for everyone.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes government policy and drives real change.
- Qualifications: Interest in government, research skills, and a collaborative mindset.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
We are inviting applications for our one-year 2026–27 research internship programme starting on 7 September 2026. Our research staff spend their time thinking, talking and writing about how to make government more effective. They conduct research in a range of forms exploring themes across our work programme. Using that research, they develop recommendations for how government could better organise itself, develop and deliver policy, and evaluate and regulate its own activities.
Our research interns work across the research team, with each intern typically allocated to one of the themes in our work programme (e.g. civil service, devolution, public finances, etc). The precise nature of each individual internship will vary according to the needs of the projects that specific teams are working on, but key tasks include:
- Carrying out literature reviews
- Completing background research and conducting interviews with MPs, civil servants and others alongside colleagues
- Undertaking data analysis, including creating and updating charts and developing data visualisation skills
- Working with colleagues across the research and communications teams to organise and deliver the IfG’s public and private events
- Presenting research findings to colleagues
- Writing explainers and contributing to published reports
- Providing other forms of administrative support to the rest of your team as required.
For full details, including a person specification, please read the job application pack. We encourage all applicants to read the job pack before starting their application. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the time they apply. We are unable to progress or confirm offers for candidates whose visa or right to work documentation will only be available after the recruitment period.
If you are interested in this role but are not sure you have all the skills we’re looking for, please do apply and give us the chance to consider you as a candidate. The IfG is committed to supporting greater diversity and inclusion within our workforce, and to fostering an environment in which everyone feels welcome, supported and valued. We welcome applications from anyone who is interested in government and how to make it more effective, and particularly encourage applications from candidates who belong to groups currently underrepresented in the think-tank sector. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates from low-income backgrounds.
Research Intern employer: Institute for Government
Contact Detail:
Institute for Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns and staff at the organisation. A quick chat can give you insider info on what they value in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a mini-project or presentation on a relevant topic before your interview. This will demonstrate your initiative and ability to analyse data, which is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss current events! Brush up on recent government policies and debates. Being able to engage in discussions about how to improve government effectiveness will show you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨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 the opportunity and want to be part of our mission to make government better.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack Thoroughly: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job application pack. It’s packed with useful info about what we’re looking for and how to tailor your application to stand out.
Show Your Passion for Research: We want to see your enthusiasm for research and government effectiveness. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience or projects that showcase your interest in these areas.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Government
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the themes of the research programme. Familiarise yourself with recent reports and findings related to civil service, devolution, and public finances. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Tasks
Since the role involves tasks like literature reviews and data analysis, be ready to discuss your experience with these activities. Bring examples of past projects where you've conducted research or analysed data, and be prepared to explain your methodology and findings.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As you'll be presenting research findings and writing reports, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, and think of ways to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely during the interview.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
The organisation values diversity, so be open about your unique perspective and experiences. Think about how your background can contribute to the team and the research they conduct. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you align with their values.