Summer Internship Programme

We are offering several eight-week internships for undergraduates this summer.

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Overview

The Wellcome Trust supports the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. Our breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. Our work is based in many countries and cultures across the world, and we are committed to inclusion and equality. We aim to create a culture that is open and respectful and where differences are valued and celebrated.

With our Summer Internship Programme, we hope to inspire, encourage and support a new generation who will go on to make a difference. During the eight-week internship in July and August 2012, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and gain an understanding of how our organisation works.

In particular, you will have the opportunity to find out more about an area of work that interests you and establish whether it is something you wish to pursue further in your career.

In return for a pro rata salary of £15 000, you will be given real challenges and your own project, and you will be expected to meet objectives and deadlines during your time here. You will be given an induction into the organisation on joining, and you will have an assigned line manager in your department who will support you, set and review your objectives, and oversee your work programme.

2012 internships

Our wide variety of activities means we can offer internships in a diverse range of areas. This summer, we can offer internships in the following departments:

Information about each internship and its specific requirements is given below.

Communications

The Communications department is responsible for communicating the work of the Wellcome Trust to a wide range of audiences, both internal and external. It works to raise the profile of the Wellcome Trust, the medical research it funds and the contribution made by researchers using print, web and new media.

Details of the internship
You will research, write and edit press releases, news stories and blog posts. You will liaise with researchers as necessary and work closely with your editorial colleagues, as well as designers, multimedia producers, image researchers and marketing project managers.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the standard eligibility criteria, you will need to be able to write clearly and accurately in an engaging manner on a range of biomedical topics for several audiences. You should have a good eye for detail, a good nose for a story and a passion for communicating science. You should be studying for a biological sciences or medical degree.

Additional assessment requirements
Please send up to three writing samples with your application. You will also be required to complete a timed writing test at the interview stage.

Finance

The Finance department works in partnership with all areas of the Trust, so it is a great place to gain exposure to – and get an overview of – many aspects of the Trust’s work.

Details of the internship
You will work in both Financial Planning and Reporting, and Financial Accounting. Your work might include assisting with operational and grants payments, investment accounting, the preparation of internal and external reports, month end processes, and the review and implementation of financial controls.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the standard eligibility criteria, you will need to be numerate and very keen to understand how finance works and helps an organisation to be successful. You must be self-motivated and inquisitive.

Additional assessment requirements
You will be required to complete a short numeracy test at the interview stage.

The Francis Crick Institute

The Francis Crick Institute, due to open in 2015, is a partnership between the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, University College London, Imperial College London and King’s College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease.

The Transition Team is responsible for developing and delivering the plans for the transfer of staff into the Institute at opening, together with the research and support facilities and services necessary for effective operation.

Details of the internship
The Transition Programme is evolving, and it is not possible to be specific about tasks; however, examples of the work you could be involved in include project scheduling, gathering data about items that have to be moved to the new building, developing management processes, and carrying out option analysis to make recommendations.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need to have a methodical and analytical approach, good people skills, the confidence to tackle unfamiliar subjects, and the ability to use your initiative.

Medical Humanities and Engagement Grants

Medical Humanities and Engagement (MH&E) Grants provides funding for high-quality research and activities in the fields of medical humanities and public engagement with biomedical science. They aim to build and maintain research capacity in medical history and biomedical ethics while capitalising on opportunities to support the broader medical humanities.

The team manages the funding committees and associated budgets for the division’s grant programmes, monitors active grant portfolios, reports on outcomes and outputs of grants, evaluates the impact of Trust-funded projects and supports grantholders with their awards.

Details of the internship
You will be involved in capturing and presenting the outcomes of our funded research and activities. You will get a sense of what and how we fund, and you will have the opportunity to meet researchers and science communicators and attend some funded events.

In addition, you will help to plan and deliver public engagement grantholder packs and work with advisors to develop a framework for creative workshops in public engagement, helping to develop our grant-making capacity. You will also help to coordinate the planning and implementation of an event to celebrate five years of the Arts Awards.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need to be studying for a degree in life sciences or medical humanities and have good writing and communication skills. Some previous experience of devising and collating content for the web would be useful, and an interest in the work of the MH&E Division (in particular, science communication, public engagement, medical humanities, the history of medicine and/or biomedical ethics) will be an advantage.

Science Funding

The Science Funding Division is responsible for supporting excellent science and identifying opportunities to maximise the benefits of our funding.

There are two opportunities in Science Funding:

International Activities

The International Activities department is responsible for the management and development of the strategy, policy and scientific portfolio for health research in low- and middle-income countries.

Details of the internship
You will analyse the early outcomes of Trust-funded initiatives that seek to address the challenge of developing research career paths in low- and middle-income country universities and other institutions. You will also carry out research into other funders that similarly aim to strengthen the research base in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in African universities.

The overall aims of the project will be to develop a brief report and PowerPoint slides to be presented at a major international conference in the USA in November 2012, and to compile a directory of web links to be shared with the WHO and other funders.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and persistence. A science degree is not necessary, but experience of or a demonstrable interest in international development, organisational governance and research for health would be desirable.

Pathogens, Immunology and Population Health

The Pathogens, Immunology and Population Health (PIPH) department of Science Funding is responsible for identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic initiatives in infectious diseases and public health.

Details of the internship
You will assist with the organisation of two international workshops: one will bring together the grantholders of a joint funding scheme between the Wellcome Trust and the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research in India in September, and the other will take place in November and will focus on the overlap between communicable and non-communicable diseases. You will also help to update and maintain the PIPH database and contribute to departmental meetings by presenting the latest developments in a specific area of the PIPH portfolio.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need to demonstrate good organisational skills and have a good working knowledge of MS Excel. A science degree is not necessary, but experience of or a demonstrable interest in infectious disease and public health would be desirable.

Strategic Planning and Policy Unit

The Strategic Planning and Policy Unit (SPPU) is responsible for coordinating strategic planning and providing analysis, research and advice on policy and evaluation issues to help ensure that the Trust can achieve its mission in the most effective way.

There are two opportunities in the SPPU.

Evaluation

The Evaluation team works to research and analyse of the effects the Trust’s funding has on scientific advances and on individuals’ career progression.

Details of the internship
You will support the Evaluation team across several projects, including career tracking and analysing the outputs achieved by those we fund.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need good data management and analytical skills and a good working knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint and Word. You should be inquisitive and attentive to detail and have the ability to spot and highlight data discrepancies.

Policy and Advocacy

The Policy and Advocacy team works with the Government, policy makers and other research funders to create a sustainable environment for biomedical research in the UK, in Europe and internationally.

Details of the internship
You will be involved in the Policy and Advocacy team’s current projects in areas such as the use of patient data in research, health innovation and intellectual property, research careers, and global health. You will be exposed to a range of work, including preparing briefing material for senior managers, drafting consultation responses, influencing the development of legislation and engaging MPs on medical research issues.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need to demonstrate a good level of writing ability, analytical skills, initiative and attention to detail. An interest in policy and the parliamentary process will be an advantage.

Investments

The Investments team manages the Trust’s $24 billion (£14 billion) investment portfolio, which spans the globe, from Silicon Valley to Shenzhen. Our aim is to maximise our returns from global economic activity.From start-ups to global goliaths, private equity to hedge funds and property to currencies, we look for opportunities to grow our portfolio with a view to funding medical research now and in years to come.

Is Facebook worth $100bn?Can you turn algae into jet fuel? Will Indian consumers buy more chocolate? These are some of the questions that we consider as we think about the investment universe.

We are a team of 30 people and, between us, speak more than a dozen languages. We come from a wide range of disciplines including finance, politics, chemistry and medical microbiology. We believe that having a wide range of views makes for better decision making.

Details of the internship
You will be involved in communicating ideas and information within the team, reviewing the current portfolio, analysing new investment opportunities, and meeting existing and potential investment partners.

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the general eligibility criteria, you will need to be hands-on, able to offer fresh perspectives and keen to learn constantly – and have fun.

Tech Transfer Division

The Technology Transfer Division (TTD) helps to bridge the gap between fundamental research and commercial application by funding applied research and development projects to a stage where they are attractive to a follow-on funder.

Details of the internship
You will gain an overview of the funding process within TTD, including processes for new applications, funding agreements and post-funding management. You will be asked to review a field of interest to both TTD and yourself as it relates to a funded project; potential areas include oncology, infectious diseases and biological therapeutics.

The review will involve research using databases, journals and the internet, and the resulting report will be presented to the Business Development Team. The report will include competitor analysis of the field, information on the background of companies active in the area and a summary of the state of the art and potential growth areas (i.e. current status and where unexplored areas might be).

Specific requirements
In addition to meeting the standard eligibility criteria, you will need to be studying for a degree in biomedical or physical sciences or a related engineering field. You will also need to demonstrate experience in searching databases.

Additional assessment requirements
You will be required to complete a short writing test.

Application process

Eligibility

General eligibility criteria for all internships

You should:

have a minimum of 300 UCAS points
be a current undergraduate (this scheme is aimed at those who are partway through their studies and is not intended for those just completing their final year)
not have already completed an internship at the Wellcome Trust
be available for the Summer Internship Programme period, which is 2 July–24 August 2012
be eligible to work in the UK for this period.

Information for overseas applicants

Specific requirements for some internships
Some internships require you to be studying in a specific subject area or to possess skills relevant to the internship area. Please see individual internship details for further information.

How do I apply?

If you meet the general eligibility criteria and any specific requirements for the internship you are interested in, you can apply online by sending us a CV and a covering letter (no longer than 1200 words) that addresses the following questions:

Why are you interested in the Summer Internship Programme at the Wellcome Trust?
Which internship are you applying for and why?
What will you bring to this internship and to the Trust? Please detail how you meet the general eligibility requirements for the scheme and any specific requirements for this internship, as well as providing details of any other relevant skills, experience and/or interests you have.
How will the internship benefit your studies and future career?

The closing date for applications is 13 April 2012.

Apply online

Assessment process

Applications will be shortlisted and interviews will take place in late April and early May 2012. Offers for the places will be made shortly after, and internships will commence on 2 July 2012.

Internship experiences

Some of the 2011 summer interns share their experiences below.

Derek Ho, Investments

My experience at the Wellcome Trust has taught me a spectrum of soft and hard skills, from building Excel databases to having the confidence to voice my opinions with hedge fund managers. It has given me a clear idea on what investments is about, and a basic understanding of all the different asset classes - ranging from venture capital to public stocks. I have also got to know great people, who have considerable achievements themselves, and have committed a lot of time to help me with my development.

Alice Calloway, Wellcome Library

My internship has certainly been full of surprises! There have been a range of different tasks which I have completed, including observing the installation of an exhibition, writing blogs, researching new ways to display material in Wellcome Collection, picking up paintings from external conservators, learning about basic collection care training…I could go on! The internship has been a fantastic experience and I have learned so much about the role of a library registrar and the work of conservation. It has been such a nice place to work and I have been made to feel part of the team. I would definitely recommend the internship to anybody who was interested in working in a museum or library.

Helen Brandwood, Grants Management

I worked in the team that receives applications from low- and middle-income countries. I was involved in a variety of projects, including one where I did the research and planning behind a new process, which will hopefully be put into place next year. Doing something valued was a huge motivator and gave me a sense of purpose, which is quite uncommon for summer interns!

Sarena Shetty, Technology Transfer

During the eight weeks I got the opportunity to work on a project that will be useful to my department and discover more about the work that the Wellcome Trust does. I met so many extraordinary people here and got the chance to develop skills that will be useful to me outside the Trust. I had a great time here and I would recommend this experience to everyone.

Nwando Dike, Science Funding

I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many talented people. I have also learnt more about the Trust by meeting with people from different departments and learning more about what the other interns were working on. I greatly enjoyed my time here and would urge anyone thinking of applying for an internship at the Wellcome Trust to do it!

Clio Heslop, MH&E Grants

Spending eight weeks working with the MH&E Grants department has given me so many opportunities - ideal for someone as curious as me. I’ve visited some great projects, written profiles and blog posts, and met inspiring people. I was struck by how diverse the Wellcome Trust is; my whole perspective on science and culture has been broadened. I’ve developed my writing (and thinking) skills more than I could have imagined. A great experience.

Emma James, Communications

Everyone’s been really welcoming, and has encouraged me to get involved with as much as possible during my time here. I’ve had the chance to write for the Wellcome Trust’s print publications as well as writing blog posts, and it’s been great to venture out from the office occasionally too - going to events or tagging along on photo shoots. I’ve learnt so much from the experience, met lots of amazing people, and have really enjoyed my summer!