Research Intern

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy and develop new ideas to improve practice.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Research Intern to join our London or Leicester Office. This is a unique opportunity to contribute and gain insight into L&W’s high-impact research, policy, and campaigning activity across all areas of our Strategic Plan. You will be responsible for participating in our programme of research, as well as proactively supporting other colleagues across the organisation. 

The ideal candidate will have an interest and some experience of statistical analysis and techniques, alongside knowledge or experience of qualitative research methods.

Progression Opportunities

Our internships provide a variety of experiences and a practical grounding in research and communications. Although we cannot guarantee further opportunities at L&W, many former interns have gone on to secure further employment within the organisation. Others have gone on to successful careers in research, policy and communications.

Conditions of contract

This is a temporary five-month contract. Appointee will be eligible for 27 days annual leave (pro rata), of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.

Standard full-time working hours are 37 hours per week. We are open to considering flexible working options if requested.

L&W is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; however, there are some research projects working with vulnerable people where a DBS check will be required.

We warmly invite applications from care experienced young people or young people who have a caring responsibility.

Learning and Work Institute works in both England and Wales. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.   

Your principal duties and responsibilities will be to contribute to L&W’s research programme across a range of high-profile and time-critical projects for government, trusts and foundations and other funders. Suitable candidates should demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity throughout the conduct of their duties.

• Assist the L&W research team with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. This may involve review and analysis of national and local data sources; gathering, recording, analysing and presenting quantitative data from a range of projects for maximum impact; recruitment for qualitative research; conducting depth interviews and focus groups with service users, staff and other stakeholders.
• Carry out literature and evidence reviews, including identifying relevant research evidence, appraising the quality of evidence and writing up key findings. 
• Support income generation, in collaboration with other Learning and Work staff, including contributing to the preparation of research proposals.
• Work as part of research project teams and actively participate in project meetings.
• Assist in other tasks to support the work of the research team as required. This will involve some research administration.
• Proof-reading reports, events programmes and marketing material for clarity and accuracy to ensure they meet our high-quality standards. Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity. 

Person Specification:

• Degree in a relevant subject (e.g. economics, social sciences, research methods, with some statistics element) or equivalent qualifications or experience in a research capacity - Essential
• Experience or knowledge of quantitative data collection and analysis, such as (but not limited to) descriptive statistics, data visualisation, significance testing, regression - Essential
• Skills in conducting analysis using statistical software packages such as Stata and SPSS - Desirable
• Experience of undertaking qualitative data collection and analysis, such as recruiting research participants and conducting interviews- Desirable
• Accuracy and attention to detail, and ability to show initiative and work independently - Essential
• Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office suite (in particular, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) - Essential
• Understanding of a range of research and evaluation methodologies and methods - Desirable
• Experience of writing for publication e.g. websites, reports, newsletters - Essential 
• Understanding and interest in a subject area of relevance to L&W: adult learning, skills and employment policy and/or practice - Essential
• Ability to work to deadline and manage multiple, competing priorities - Essential
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups - Desirable
• A commitment to the values of Learning and Work Institute - - Essential

Salary of £25,878 Leicester or £28,475 London pro rata per annum (Living Wage)

-27 days' holiday, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays. This will be prorated based on length of contract.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme and flu jab reimbursement benefit

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Gold award in Investors in People

How to Apply

To apply, please fill out the application form and upload a short supporting statement and answer the 4 questions below (no more than 250 words per question please).

1. Why would you like to work as a research intern at L&W? When answering this question, explain why you are interested in L&W in particular, and the attributes you bring to this specific role and the organisation.

2. Please suggest a topic that you think L&W should prioritise as part of its 2026-27 research programme, and explain why. In answering this question, you should identify an important socio-economic challenge facing the government and how L&W’s research could help the government to develop policy, and/or help adult learning and employment support providers to improve their services.

3. L&W is undertaking mixed-method research to understand outcomes in education and employment for care leavers. What challenges would you envisage facing with this research and how might you overcome them? What quantitative data would it be useful to examine? In answering this question, think about the ethical and/or practical considerations in carrying out research in relation to this cohort and the strategies you could use to address these issues. Also think about data that we might collect ourselves, or is available from published datasets.

4.  Researchers at L&W often work across multiple projects with competing priorities and deadlines. Please describe a situation where you had to manage your time effectively to complete a task successfully and on time. When answering this question, explain the steps you took to plan and prioritise your time and the outcome you achieved by doing this successfully.

Applications will only be considered when submitted with a supporting statement.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2026 Interviews will be held on 18th November 2026. Interns can be based at either the Leicester or London office.

Should you require any adjustments to participate in this recruitment process, please make this clear when you apply.

L&W is passionate about equality and diversity, it drives our organisational values and mission, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from all under-represented groups in society.

Please complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring when applying:

Learning and Work Institute: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring - Job Applicants – Prefilled form

Should you have any further questions please contact the HR team: [email protected]