At a Glance
- Tasks: Contribute to impactful research on ethnic minority NHS staff and analyse real-world healthcare data.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leading institution in health services research.
- Benefits: Earn £16.52 per hour, gain hands-on experience, and attend a national conference.
- Other info: Open to all backgrounds, especially under-represented groups in health research.
- Why this job: Make a difference in healthcare while developing valuable skills in research and analysis.
- Qualifications: Second or third-year undergraduate student with an interest in health services research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
The University of Birmingham is recruiting a second or third‑year undergraduate student for an 8‑week paid internship funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The internship focuses on reducing bullying, harassment and abuse towards ethnic minority NHS staff. Interns will gain hands‑on experience working with real‑world healthcare data, literature reviewing, quantitative data analysis and contribute to a high‑impact research project on work‑related inequalities within the NHS.
Main Duties:
- Contribute to a literature review on the visual depiction of realist programme theories.
- Conduct statistical analysis of NHS staff survey data to examine bullying, harassment and abuse experienced by ethnic minority staff.
Project 1: Literature Review
- Assist with the systematic mapping of literature on how realist programme theories can be visually represented to enhance clarity, rigour and usability. Responsibilities include screening literature, data extraction, synthesis of findings and preparation of an academic blog post.
Project 2: Statistical Analysis
- Analyse NHS staff survey data to compare levels of bullying across ethnic groups, investigate the influence of gender, social class, religion, nationality and professional group, and examine associations with perceptions of discrimination and fairness.
Supervision & Training:
Supervision will be provided by Dr. Ashok Patnaik, Research Fellow, with additional mentorship from Dr. Justin Aunger, Senior Research Fellow. Interns will also attend university training courses on literature reviewing, quantitative methods, statistical analysis, EndNote and Covidence, and may attend the Health Services Research UK 2026 Conference.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
- Interest in a career in health services research or academia; thematic interest in the sociology of professions and work‑related inequalities.
- Enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme at a UK university; suitable disciplines include health research methods, sociology, psychology, economics, business management, mathematics, statistics, biomedical science or a closely related subject.
- Second or third‑year undergraduate study.
- Availability for a full‑time, on‑campus placement between 6 July and 28 August 2026; must be able to attend the university at least three days a week.
EEO Statement:
This role is open to undergraduates from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from students whose professional backgrounds are under‑represented in health research, including low‑income and/or ethnic minority backgrounds.
Benefits:
- Paid internship (£16.52 per hour plus holiday entitlement), supervised learning in applied health services research, potential attendance at a national conference, and mentorship from senior researchers.
Contact Dr. Ashok Patnaik – a.patnaik@bham.ac.uk
Student Casual – Summer Internship for project on Ethnic minority NHS Staff- Applied Health Sci[...] in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Casual – Summer Internship for project on Ethnic minority NHS Staff- Applied Health Sci[...] in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, classmates, or even professionals in the field. A casual chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to health services research. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak about your interest in reducing inequalities in the NHS, let your enthusiasm shine through. It can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Casual – Summer Internship for project on Ethnic minority NHS Staff- Applied Health Sci[...] in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the internship. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in health research or data analysis. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for reducing inequalities in the NHS and explain why this internship excites you. Let us know how your background makes you a great fit.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Don’t forget to mention any specific skills that relate to the projects, like literature reviewing or statistical analysis. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues surrounding bullying and harassment in the NHS, especially as it relates to ethnic minority staff. Familiarise yourself with recent studies or reports on this topic, as it will show your genuine interest and commitment to the project.
✨Showcase Relevant Skills
Highlight any experience you have with literature reviews, statistical analysis, or working with healthcare data. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you've used, like EndNote or Covidence, as these are directly relevant to the internship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the internship and the projects you'll be working on. This could include asking about the methodologies used in the literature review or how the findings from the statistical analysis will be applied in real-world settings.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for health services research and your desire to contribute to reducing inequalities within the NHS. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in this field, as it can make a memorable impression.