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- Tasks: Support start-ups with real-world challenges while continuing your PhD studies.
- Company: Loughborough University, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, enhance your CV, and develop essential skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on businesses while advancing your academic journey.
- Qualifications: Open to Loughborough Doctoral Researchers in R2 or early R3 of their PhD.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and excellent networking opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 29588 - 34610 £ per year.
Administrative Services grade 5 from £29,588 to £34,610 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.
THIS OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN TO EXISTING LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS ONLY.
Part time, fixed term (6 hours per week from March to July 2026). Loughborough University Research Academy (LURA) invites applications from Loughborough’s Doctoral students, working in any discipline, to participate in a 16-week programme, which will run from w/c 9th March to w/c 29th June 2026.
Successful applicants will spend an average of no more than 6 hours per week working with businesses at LUinc. or LUSEP, whilst continuing their PhD studies in parallel. This is an exciting opportunity for Loughborough’s Doctoral Researchers, who are currently in R2 or early R3 of their PhD programme, to gain complementary experience outside of their immediate research project and team.
With support and training, the LURA ‘Doctoral Innovation Consultants’ will work as part of a small student consultancy team, supporting a number of start‑up businesses based in the LUSEP & business incubator, LUinc. Working on a variety of real‑world challenges, the LURA Doctoral Innovation Consultants will develop their commercial awareness, team working, problem solving, time management and customer focus skills.
This unique opportunity will be a positive addition to their CV, enhancing business networking skills and future employability, whether this is in academia or industry. Projects will have direct positive benefits for the businesses, for example, helping to identify new market opportunities, implement innovative new technology and/or processes, and explore routes for start‑ups to effectively engage with University expertise.
How are Doctoral Innovation Consultants funded? This programme will be funded from the Loughborough University Research Academy and Doctoral Researchers will be employed part‑time (6 hours per week) and fixed‑term for 16 weeks. Salary will be on Administrative Services Grade 5 (£29,588–£34,610 per annum pro‑rata) at starting salary to be confirmed on offer of appointment.
How to apply: Students must first discuss with their supervisor to decide if it is appropriate for them to participate at this point in their PhD. Students must be making good progress with their PhD and have the full support of their supervisor and school DDP to apply. If supervisor is supportive students should review the Job Description and Person Specification and complete the online job application as well as the Expression of Interest form.
Please direct any queries to Monalie Bandulasena (m.v.bandulasena@lboro.ac.uk).
Deadline for applications to be submitted by: 5pm on Friday 23rd January 2026.
Interviews: 11th, 12th & 13th February 2026.
Doctoral Innovation Consultant (DInC) in Loughborough employer: Scholarshipdb
Contact Detail:
Scholarshipdb Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Doctoral Innovation Consultant (DInC) in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow doctoral researchers and faculty members at Loughborough. They might have insights or connections that can help you land the Doctoral Innovation Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to consultancy and innovation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During the interview, highlight your problem-solving abilities and any relevant experience you have with businesses or projects. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Doctoral Innovation Consultant (DInC) in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Chat with Your Supervisor: Before diving into the application, have a good natter with your supervisor. Make sure they’re on board and think it’s a good time for you to take on this role alongside your PhD.
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Take your time to really understand the job description and person specification. This will help you tailor your application and show us that you’re the perfect fit for the Doctoral Innovation Consultant role.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the online application and Expression of Interest form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We love a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of why you’d be great for this opportunity.
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 details correctly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and know how to follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scholarshipdb
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it relates to the role of a Doctoral Innovation Consultant. Be ready to discuss your PhD progress and how your skills can benefit start-ups at LUinc. or LUSEP.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working in a small consultancy team, highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others during your PhD or in any previous roles, showcasing your ability to work effectively in a group.
✨Prepare Real-World Examples
Think about specific challenges you’ve faced in your research and how you solved them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commercial awareness, which are key for the consultancy role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme and the businesses you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.