At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in public health research and develop valuable skills.
- Company: NIHR School for Public Health Research, a leader in health research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible part-time hours, and mentorship from experienced researchers.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while exploring your passion for research.
- Qualifications: Current Lancaster University undergraduates in years 2 or 3 with strong academic performance.
This is an exciting opportunity provided by the NIHR School for Public Health Research (NIHR SPHR) for two promising undergraduate students with an interest in a career in public health. The successful candidates will gain experience of working within an established research team and the opportunity to develop valuable research skills.
Applicants must be:
- Current Lancaster University undergraduate students
- In the middle years of their first degree studies (normally between years 2 and 3 for students on a 3-year undergraduate programme or equivalent for 4-year undergraduate programmes).
- Expected to obtain a first or upper second class UK honours degree.
The opportunity is hosted by the Liverpool and Lancaster Collaboration for public health research (LiLaC) and funded by the NIHR School for Public Health Research (NIHR SPHR). We are looking to recruit two undergraduate students with an interest in a career in public health research.
The internships are offered as a casual work opportunity, on a part-time, flexible basis over the 2026 summer period. Each post is planned as 0.6 FTE (3 days per week) over approximately 8 weeks (exact working pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate and supervisors). The successful students will be based in the Division of Health Research (DHR) at Lancaster University and work on one of two projects described in the further details document. Candidates must indicate a preference for one project during the application process.
Project 1: Trauma-informed, creative research on belonging, safety and first contact (CREATE + Recognised, Not Retold). This internship is suited to students interested in health inequalities, the wider determinants of health, and participatory/creative qualitative research. You will support work that explores what makes support-service spaces feel safe and welcoming (or not), and how learning from lived experience can be translated into feasible improvements for practice. A distinctive feature of this placement is structured learning in trauma-informed approaches, and involvement in knowledge translation, helping turn findings from creative activities into stakeholder‑ready learning (e.g., housing, council, NHS, voluntary sector).
Project 2: Public health systems and health inequalities (Systems project using Qualitative Comparative Analysis). This internship is suited to students interested in public health systems, policy action on inequalities, and innovative methods. You will work with an experienced team using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to explore how different configurations of system “conditions” (e.g., governance arrangements, stability, policy embedding) relate to action on health inequalities and their social determinants. You will gain experience working with structured qualitative data sources and learning how QCA can be applied in public health research.
Both internships sit within projects led by Dr Rebecca Mead (Lancaster University, Division of Health Research / LiLaC). Day‑to‑day supervision will be provided by the relevant project supervisor:
- Project 1 (CREATE + Recognised, Not Retold): Dr Yessica Mestre, Research Associate.
- Project 2 (Systems/QCA project): Dr Zoe Swithenbank, Senior Research Associate.
Dr Mead will provide overall oversight and mentorship across both placements, alongside the wider LiLaC/SPHR team as needed. The successful applicants will be supported by the project leads and work within a friendly research environment. You will develop skills in research processes and writing for different audiences. You will be expected to complete a short report at the end of the internship plus either a blog or a practice/public‑focused briefing (and there may be an opportunity to support dissemination activities).
We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups. Please submit a letter of application and CV and indicate which project you are applying for.
NIHR SPHR Summer Internship in Public Health Research (x 2 posts) employer: Lancaster University
The NIHR School for Public Health Research offers an exceptional internship experience in a supportive and collaborative research environment at Lancaster University. Interns will benefit from hands-on involvement in impactful public health projects, mentorship from experienced researchers, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful work that addresses health inequalities. With a focus on flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, this role is perfect for students eager to make a difference in public health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NIHR SPHR Summer Internship in Public Health Research (x 2 posts)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, classmates, or anyone in the public health field. They might have insider info on internships or even be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the projects you're interested in and think about how your skills align with what they're looking for. Practise common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for public health shine through. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about landing that internship with us!
We think you need these skills to ace NIHR SPHR Summer Internship in Public Health Research (x 2 posts)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Health:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for public health research. Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in this field. We want to know why you're excited about the opportunity!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your letter of application and CV for the specific project you're interested in. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the project’s focus, whether it’s trauma-informed research or public health systems.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Plus, it shows you’re following our process, which we really value.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into the details of both projects. Understand their goals and how they relate to public health research. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate why you're a great fit for the specific project you prefer.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Think about the skills you've developed during your studies that are relevant to public health research. Be ready to discuss any experience with qualitative research methods or teamwork in academic settings. Highlighting these will demonstrate your readiness for the internship.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the projects, the team, and the research environment. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the internship aligns with your career aspirations in public health.
✨Practice Your Responses
Anticipate common interview questions related to public health and your motivations for applying. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview, making a positive impression on the interviewers.
