School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool

Research Assistantship: Experiences of oral health Stigma (EXIST) study

Hybrid (one day per week in Liverpool) or remote placement, full-time or part-time available

The School of Dentistry sits with the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool. The research scientists and clinicians who work at the School of Dentistry are focused on translating their research findings to improve patient care and raise educational standards.

The aim of the EXIST study is to understand how people experience oral health stigma and to begin to understand how to tackle it. The student will gain experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, mixed methods interpretation and developing outputs.

This placement is suited to a student from any number of pathways who has an interest in tackling health inequality.

Scenegraph Studios

Internship: Researcher for AI and Personality Design

Hybrid (preferably one day per week or more in Birkenhead) placement, available as full or part-time (0.5 FTE or higher)

Pxl-Persona, a division of Scenegraph Studios, creates interactive avatars that simulate real-world human behaviour within immersive 3D environments (e.g. interview training, healthcare communication, and wellbeing education).

This placement is to assist in the development of realistic and ethical AI personalities for application in health and social care.

This placement is ideally suited to students from the Psychology, Health and Wellbeing, Social Anthropology, or Social Data Science and AI pathways but is open to any student who can show an interest in the intersection of mental health, human behaviour, and technology.

North West Social Science DTP

Research Assistantship: Developing a Best Practice Guide for Inclusive Research Methods Training

Remote/flexible working. 3 months (full-time or part-time equivalent)

This research assistantship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a best practice guide for inclusive research methods training across the NWSSDTP. The student will undertake desk-based research to synthesise academic and policy literature, conduct informal consultations with experts in inclusive research and pedagogy, and co-produce a comprehensive framework to guide training leads in delivering accessible and equitable training to PGRs. The project aims to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility, and representativeness of research training within the DTP, aligning with UKRI’s wider EDI priorities.

As part of the placement, the student will also develop a curated resource bank and produce a report that introduces the guide and outlines the rationale behind its recommendations. They will be supported throughout by the NWSSDTP Director and core team, with regular collaborative meetings and mentoring. The placement offers an excellent opportunity to apply critical thinking and research skills to a meaningful, institution-wide initiative and contribute to long-term improvements in the training experience for diverse doctoral researchers. It is ideally suited to students with an interest in research methods, pedagogy, and equity in higher education, from any NWSSDTP pathway.

Asthma + Lung UK: Breathe Easy North Staffordshire

Internship: Air Pollution, Health Inequality, and Community Advocacy in Staffordshire

Flexible (full-time or part-time). Remote placement.

This placement offers the opportunity to support Breathe Easy North Staffordshire (BENS) in investigating the intersection of air pollution, respiratory health, and social inequality in the local area.

The student will conduct spatial and policy analysis to explore disparities in air quality and respiratory health outcomes, map decision-making structures, and assess clean air strategies at both the local and national levels. Drawing on best practice case studies, they will recommend tailored, community-focused advocacy strategies that align with BENS’ aims. The student will also develop a stakeholder engagement plan and contribute to drafting a policy brief to inform future campaigning. This is a valuable opportunity to apply research to real-world community activism and contribute to meaningful public health advocacy.

The placement is ideal for students in Public Health, Geography, Social Policy, Political Science, or related disciplines who are passionate about environmental justice, inequality, and participatory research.

Asthma + Lung UK: Breathe Easy North Staffordshire

Internship: Community Partnerships and Ecosystem
Mapping for Lung Health Support

Flexible (full-time or part-time). Remote placement.

This placement offers the opportunity to support Breathe Easy North Staffs (BENS)—a patient-led community group affiliated with Asthma and Lung UK—in strengthening its adult community engagement strategy. The student will explore the complex web of local health, social care, and voluntary sector organisations in Staffordshire to identify opportunities for greater collaboration in supporting people with lung conditions. Tasks will include stakeholder mapping, systems analysis, and identifying successful models of multi-agency working in community health.

The project will culminate in a set of recommendations to help BENS lead or contribute to coordinated outreach efforts. This placement provides a valuable opportunity to apply research and systems thinking to a real-world public health challenge, while helping to improve the lives of people managing complex health needs. It is particularly well-suited to students in Public Health, Social Policy, Sociology, or Community Development pathways.

Down Syndrome UK

Internship: Mapping Down Syndrome Support in UK Educational Settings

Flexible (full-time or part-time). Remote placement.

This internship with Down Syndrome UK involves leading a national mapping project to assess the level and quality of Down syndrome-specific support available to educational settings across the UK.

The student will use Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and stakeholder interviews to gather data from Local Authorities, SEN departments, education professionals, and support groups. They will analyse both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate current provision, identify regional disparities, and uncover best practices. The findings will be used to inform a detailed report with recommendations for improved provision and advocacy. The student will gain experience in public policy research, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis, and will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an under-researched but critical area of education policy.

This placement is particularly well-suited for students in Educational Research, Social Policy, Health and Wellbeing, or Politics who are interested in SEN provision and equity in education.

Kinetic

Internship: Co-Producing Change: Empowering Marginalised Young People Through Research, Practice, and Organisational Development.

Flexible (full-time or part-time). Remote and in-person placement available.

This placement offers NWSSDTP students the opportunity to engage in applied research and practice with Kinetic Youth, a national organisation supporting marginalised young people in the youth justice system, care, or excluded from mainstream education.

Rooted in co-production and social justice, students will work on one of several themed projects—ranging from participatory research on youth justice and education exclusion to organisational development and fundraising strategy. Each project involves creating tangible outputs such as policy briefings, co-authored reports, or toolkits, and encourages collaboration with young people. Students will build skills in qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and reflective practice, while contributing to impactful, youth-led change.

This placement is ideal for students in Sociology, Social Policy, Psychology, Criminology, or Management pathways with a strong interest in applied research, equity, and the third sector.

University of Manchester

Research Assistantship: The Impact of the African Cities Research
Consortium.

Flexible (full-time or part-time). Flexible placement mode (hybrid preferred)

This placement offers NWSSDTP students the chance to contribute to the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), a major research initiative working to improve urban development outcomes across 12 African cities. ACRC adopts a systems-based, politically informed approach to urban reform, and is now entering its implementation phase in five cities.

The student will support the consortium’s research and policy activities by conducting literature reviews, preparing case studies, synthesising research findings, and developing materials for training and dissemination. There is a particular focus on urban development domains such as housing, safety, infrastructure, and the informal economy, with opportunities to engage in real-world, policy-relevant research.

This placement is ideal for students on the Development and Humanitarianism pathway, especially those interested in the interface between research, policy, and practice, or decolonised, locally led development work.

Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Internship: Exploring Industrial Heritage: Research and Interpretation at Ironbridge Gorge

Full Time/Part Time available. Remote, in-person [Telford] or hybrid

This flexible research assistantship with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust offers PhD students the chance to conduct meaningful historical research tailored to their interests. Potential activities include analysing archival collections, digitising and contextualising primary sources, contributing to exhibition content, and collaborating with museum staff to ensure historical accuracy. Students will also write a public-facing blog post reflecting on their research and insights.

The role provides hands-on experience in archival research, interpretation, and public engagement. Ideal candidates will have strong research and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. While a background in history, economics, or social sciences is helpful, a keen interest in industrial history and global trade is equally valued.

Collab Training Academy

Internship: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training and Personalised GPT Development for Organisations and Parents.

Part Time over 6 months, hybrid working

This project offers a PhD student the opportunity to support the delivery of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programme for organisations and parents of mixed-heritage children, led by Collab Training Academy CIC. The programme addresses workplace bias, inclusive leadership, cultural identity, and family dynamics within Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. A key feature is the development of a custom GPT model that provides personalised DEI advice and adapts using real-world feedback.

The role involves research, data analysis, and engagement with diverse stakeholders, offering practical experience in DEI, policy evaluation, and AI-supported training. Ideal candidates will have a social sciences background, strong analytical skills, and a keen interest in equity and inclusion. Experience with AI is helpful but not essential. This is a chance to contribute to impactful social change through inclusive, tech-enhanced solutions.