Developing new research skills, broadening your horizons, and making real world change - that’s what our candidates love about our Research Placements.
About the opportunity
The Collaboratory Research Hub is seeking candidates from the East Midlands region to undertake one of five part‑time, 12‑week East Midlands Research Placement projects.
Research Placements are unique, hands‑on training and development opportunities, available through no other programme in the UK. Each project is focused on real life challenges important to our local community, enabling successful candidates to develop valuable and transferable new skills, networks, and experience, all while contributing to a genuine community research project.
Each project is supported by a studentship package that includes the following:
* Tax‑free training bursary of £2,078 (paid monthly, in arrears).
* Expert support and guidance from research academics and community professionals.
* Access to bespoke, PhD‑level research skills training to enable you to make a success of the project.
* Opportunities to meet, work with, and learn from like‑minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference through research.
* Introductions to new professional networks and opportunities that can benefit you beyond the life of the Research Placement and into your future career.
* Come away with meaningful project outputs that you’ll be able to use to evidence your skills and experience for future jobs and opportunities.
* Develop highly transferable and in‑demand problem solving and analytical skills.
* Make a contribution to positive, evidence‑based change for our local communities.
* On successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate of recognition, equivalent to FHEQ Level 7.
Who are we looking for?
We welcome individuals who are curious, thoughtful, and motivated to solve problems carefully and with attention to detail. You don’t need prior academic research experience and there is no minimum qualification requirement. What matters most is your curiosity of the topic, a passion for learning, your resilience, and your ability to be well organised and work independently under your own motivation.
Experience in local community settings is highly valued, as is a genuine commitment to tackling complex issues and making a positive difference. Above all, we’re looking for people who want to grow, broaden their horizons, and contribute meaningfully to communities through their work.
Practical details of the role include:
* Part‑time hours (minimum 14 hrs per week) for 12 weeks.
* Fully flexible working to help fit your existing commitments around your Placement work.
* Placements will be based in Derby or Nottingham, depending on each project's lead university
Explore all available projects in full, and find extensive applicant support on our website, here: https://collaboratoryresearchhub.ac.uk/east-mids-research-placements-2026/
Available East Midlands Research Placement Projects:
* Mapping “good work” in the East Midlands employment landscape
* What tips the scales?: Understanding how people in the East Midlands make decisions about universal credit and work
* The Digital Divide in the East Midlands: Intersectional Barriers to Skills and Social Connectivity for South Asian Women
* Balancing caring and career: Exploring the impact of caring responsibilities on educational and employment pathways in the East Midlands
* Tackling the “previous experience” paradox for young people looking for work from East Midlands employers
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11.59 pm, Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Interviews (online): 08‑10 April 2026
What is Collaboratory?
Collaboratory is a new research programme, led by Universities for Nottingham and the Leicester Universities Partnership, that places community knowledge and experience at the heart of research. This eight‑year initiative is pioneering a new approach to collaboration, working closely with local communities and community‑focused organisations to develop and deliver research that aligns with the needs and priorities of local communities.
For your application to be considered, you must meet our eligibility criteria. Full details are available on our website at: https://collaboratoryresearchhub.ac.uk/em-placements-eligibility/
How to apply?
For full details of available projects, eligibility criteria, applicant support, and a link to the application form, please visit: https://collaboratoryresearchhub.ac.uk/east-mids-research-placements-2026/
For any informal queries about the roles, please contact the team at: collaboratory@universitiesfornottingham.ac.uk
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