Digital Research Services Ambassadors

The University of Edinburgh’s Information Services Group (ISG) invites applications from PhD students who are interested in working as one of ten PGR Digital Research Services Ambassadors. Within this role you will support researchers across some of the University’s schools in project planning and execution, with a particular focus on applying digital research methodology and fulfilling digital research plans. The Ambassadors will be paired with researchers/hosts based on their skills and expertise. Interns might work individually or in teams on one or across multiple projects. This is an exciting opportunity for you to gain experience in interdisciplinary research (in a field outside your area of expertise) and utilise computing and data expertise in projects with tangible outputs. This opportunity will help successful candidates build a professional network across the University and gain practical research experience.

Projects prioritised for the summer 2026 cohort are available at 2025-2026 List of Selected Projects.docx. Please note that the researchers/hosts named in the list will not be involved in the hiring process. The pay for this role is Grade UE05 £29,588 to £33,951 per annum, pro rata. The internship programme is expected to start on the 04th of May 2026 and run for a maximum of 12 weeks. You can expect to work between 7-9 hours per week. We anticipate this role will have a hybrid‑working pattern dependent on the project requirements and your preference. You must be working in a commutable distance of Edinburgh to be eligible for this role. Please note that you may need to attend a physical right‑to‑work check in Edinburgh in April 2026.

Duties and responsibilities

• To work closely with Research Facilitators and project‑specific academics/hosts on a 1 to 1 basis, within a group and/or independently;
• To complete data, computational and digital research allocated tasks as part of predefined projects;
• To get involved in the dissemination of research outputs activities.

Skills and experience

Essential criteria

• A current University of Edinburgh PhD student (this post is designated for UoE student employment; therefore, you must be a matriculated student for the duration of your employment). You also must not hold the position of ‘Resident Assistant’;
• Based in the UK for the duration of the work (a commutable distance of Edinburgh), able to work on campus when required (we cannot accommodate individuals working overseas due to tax and legal implications), and able to attend a Right to Work Check in person if needed;
• Evidence of strong digital research, data management and computing skills;
• Demonstrable familiarity with one or more of the following: programming, Software engineering, statistics, data science, data visualisation, mapping, 3D modelling, VR, computer vision, web development;
• Proven ability to work in a team with diverse research background, such as on a research topic outside of the ambassadors' area of expertise;
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Proven experience using Digital Research Services at the University of Edinburgh;
• Evidence of prior involvement in multidisciplinary research;
• Proven experience in communicating research to a wider audience.

Location

Hybrid, split between working from home (commutable distance of Edinburgh), and on campus.

Additional information

The University of Edinburgh is committed to providing a positive employment experience for all students. To support students in combining work with studies, we strongly advise you do not exceed the University’s recommended number of working hours per week: 15 hours for undergraduate students (up to 35 hours during vacation), 15 hours for postgraduate taught students (all year round), 9 hours for postgraduate research students (all year round).

Please note, these recommendations apply to the total number of hours you are employed across all posts.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 09/03/2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. Interviews will be held on the week commencing on the 30/03/2026.