Research In Practice: Placement Opportunities

These placement opportunities are only open to students funded through the WGSSS Studentship scheme, awarded from October 2024 onwards. This scheme includes additional funding to complete a 3-month Research in Practice placement as part of your ESRC-funded PhD.

Please note:

Placements cannot be completed within the first 3 months of your PhD.
Placements cannot be undertaken during your Master’s year.

How to apply
Apply to the host organisation for the opportunities listed below.
Applications must be submitted before the advertised closing date.
The host organisation will review applications and select the successful candidate.

Currently Recruiting

Examining university-based policy engagement bodies in the UK

Company / Department: The Wales Centre for Public Policy
Job Sector: Think Tank
Full or Part time: Full time
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid, Cardiff

Closing date: 15 February 2026

Start date of placement: Late April 2026

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Improve understanding of how and when research-derived knowledge and expertise can inform policy and practice

Company / Department: The Wales Centre for Public Policy
Job Sector: Think Tank
Full or Part time: Full time
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid, Cardiff

Closing date: 15 February 2026

Start date of placement: Late April 2026

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Assessing the impact of the Wales Centre for Public Policy

Company / Department: The Wales Centre for Public Policy
Job Sector: Think Tank
Full or Part time: Full time
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid/Cardiff

Closing date: 15 February 2026

Start date of placement: Late April 2026

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Policy and Evaluation Placements

Company / Department: Open Innovation Team (OIT)
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Full time
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Various

Closing date: 12pm 13 February 2026

Start date of placement: June 2026 / October 2026 / January 2027 or April 2027.

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Policy and Research Placement

Company / Department: Amosshe
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Full time
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid, London Office

Closing date: Applications accepted until position filled

Start date of placement: As soon as possible – early 2026

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Research Assistant Placements – multiples roles available

Company / Department: University of Southampton & Portsmouth
Job Sector: Academic
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: In person & remote available

Closing date: Applications accepted until position filled

Start date of placement: As soon as possible – early 2026

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Company / Department: Learning Team, Kew Gardens
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Flexible

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Start date of placement: March 2026

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Data Analysis and Impact Reporting in Formal Learning Programmes

Company / Department: Learning Team, Kew Gardens
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Flexible

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Start date of placement: March 2026

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Data and Insights Officer for evidence- based positive youth development programmes

Company / Department: Greenhouse Sports
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Remote or Hybrid

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Start date of placement: April 2026

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Evidence Review of youth justice models and outcomes for young people across the UK

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Knowledge and Analytical Services (KAS).
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT 11th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Evaluating and Enhancing Nature-Based Engagement

Company / Department: Kew Gardens, Wakehurst.
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Onsite at Wakehurst, West Sussex, with flexibility for hybrid

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Start date of placement: March 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Secondary data analysis to provide evidence about the Childcare sector in Wales

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Knowledge and Analytical Services (KAS).
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT 12th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Evidence review of the safeguarding roles and responsibilities for professionals working with older people experiencing Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV)

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Communities, Social Justice and Early Years Evidence Unit
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT12th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Evidence review of sustainable whole system approaches and models for tackling Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV)

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Communities, Social Justice and Early Years Evidence Unit
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT 11th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Financial Inclusion evidence synthesis and research project to inform policy planning

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Communities, Social Justice and Early Years Evidence Unit
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT 11th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Application form

Export Programme Analysis – Survey Design & Impact Evaluation

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Knowledge and Analytic services (KAS)
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT 11th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Applied Economic Modelling Intern – Exploring Novel Uses of Input-Output Tables for Wales

Company / Department: Welsh Government – Knowledge and Analytic services (KAS)
Job Sector: Public Sector
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Hybrid

Closing date: 23.59 GMT 11th January 2026

Start date of placement: Spring 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Exploring Science Capital and Nature Connection

Company / Department: Kew Gardens, Wakehurst.
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Onsite at Wakehurst, West Sussex, with flexibility for hybrid

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Start date of placement: March 2026 (exact date to be negotiated).

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Grow Wild – Digital Engagement Placement

Company / Department: Kew Gardens, Richmond
Job Sector: Charity
Full or Part time: Flexible
In Person/Online/Hybrid: Onsite at Richmond, West Sussex, with flexibility for hybrid

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Start date of placement: Flexible 2026

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