Active Learning Lab & Infant and Child Development Lab, Lancaster University

Research Assistantship: The Curiosity Battery Project

Onsite placement (limited hybrid work) at Lancaster University.

Full-time or part-time (0.5 FTE) starting in June.

The Curiosity Project aims to measure the multidimensional nature of curiosity in primary school children (7-11-year-olds) and examine its impact on learning and well-being over time.

The project team will support you to develop a stand-alone study, or you can choose to contribute to the ongoing set of studies. You’ll have opportunities to co-author the scientific outputs, such as conference presentation and peer reviewed manuscripts.

engage@liverpool, Methods North West and the NWSSDTP, University of Liverpool

Research Assistantship: Webscraping university training with GenAI

Hybrid placement (one or two days in Liverpool).

Full-time or part-time (0.5 FTE).

As a pilot for other Methods North West and NWSSDTP institutions, this project will focus on what GenAI webscraping recovers in terms of advanced training at the University of Liverpool (UoL).

The project will suit a student from any pathway with advanced data science training, including high level coding skills and an understanding of webscraping, who is interested in and has a working knowledge of GenAI, including prompting and vibe coding, and wants to both develop those skills further as well as extend their industry experience in a sector where new AI tools have already had a great deal of impact.

Avenir Consulting Ltd

Research Assistantship: Understanding Toxic Power and Corrupt Leadership

Remote placement, with optional opportunity to attend some events in London.

Six months part-time (0.5 FTE) or 13 weeks full-time.

Are you interested in the prevention or dismantling of toxic power structures? This placement focuses on the factors that lead to toxic power and corrupt leadership with the aim of producing some practical guidelines for organisations to detect, prevent, and dismantle power abuse.

You will work directly alongside Nadia Nagamootoo, Chartered Business Psychologist, podcast host, author, and founder & CEO of Avenir Consulting Ltd. Nadia intends to use the research as the basis for her next book, which you will be able to site that you’ve contributed to. The outcome of the placement would be, as a minimum, to develop a short White paper off the back of the research, which you will be listed as an author on.

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.

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.

School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool

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

Hybrid (Thursdays in Liverpool) or remote placement.

Full-time. Enquire about part-time or shorter placement as some flexibility available depending on start date, with consideration to project timeline

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.

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.