Digital Research Services Ambassadors in Edinburgh

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, 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 List of Selected. 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.

Please note: This advert may close early if sufficient applications are received prior to the closing date which is 23:59pm on the 09th of March 2026. Interviews will take place the week commencing 30th March 2026.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle: Professional development and subject matter expertise, leading-edge research, responsibility and autonomy, excellent benefits and support.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please upload a CV and covering letter, clearly stating how you meet the criteria for the role. Your cover letter should clearly answer the following questions: Why are you interested in this internship? Which project(s) best fit your skills and experience? (Please refer to a maximum of two projects) How are your skills relevant to the project(s)? (max 200 words per project).

Please ensure you've read the top bullet points in the criteria: you must be a University of Edinburgh Student, and you must not hold the position of 'Resident Assistant' (Res Life) during your employment. If you encounter any issues when applying, please e-mail well in advance of the deadline, as we will only respond within office hours (9-5, Monday to Friday). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect: A competitive salary, an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work, to be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

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. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held on the week commencing on the 30/03/.

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.