Category: Career Opportunities, Internships & Volunteering

Outreach opportunity: Church Street Library in Westminster (10 Oct)

Church Street Library in Westminster have asked if a small team or students/ researchers from Imperial  could run an activity that is either arts and crafts/ discovery/ recycled creations/ interactive learning for 6 – 11 year olds on Sat 10 Oct from 2 – 4pm. All ideas welcome. It could be a chance to re-run an activity that you held at the Great Exhibition Road Festival or to try out an activity you are developing.

For more info please contact Linsey Wynton l.wynton@imperial.ac.uk in the Grantham Institute’s outreach team and I will connect you to the librarian.

Royal Society Funding Opportunities – Autumn 2026

Royal Society funding opportunities

The Faraday Discovery Fellowships (mid-career research leaders) – Stage 1 are prestigious long-term awards that will support the most talented mid-career research leaders to undertake high-quality, original research. The programme is aimed at outstanding mid-career STEM researchers and will provide grants of up to £8m over a ten-year period to support the development of world-leading research groups in the UK. Closing 22 September 2026.

International Exchanges are for scientists based in the UK who want to stimulate new research collaborations with leading scientists overseas through either a one-off visit or bilateral travel. Closing 24 September 2026.

Short Industry Fellowships are part of the Royal Society’s Industry programme, enabling scientists employed in industry or academia and/or their postdoctoral researcher to have shorter, more dynamic engagements between academia and industry, working on a mutually beneficial and collaborative project. Closing 7 October 2026.

The Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship scheme offers a recognised first step into an independent research career for outstanding early career scientists who require a flexible working pattern due to personal circumstances, such as caring responsibilities and/or health-related conditions. Closing 29 October 2026.

Opening soon 

The Career Development Fellowship scheme provides the most talented early career scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM with research funding and high-quality training opportunities to build a strong base for a successful research career. Join the applicant webinar on 6 October, details available on the webpage. Opening 22 September 2026.

Imperial Build Week – Wilbe: 18 – 25 September 2026

Imperial Build Week runs online from September 18 to September 25 for Imperial scientists and engineers exploring big company ideas from their research or technical work.

Build Weeks are 7-day, online cohorts where scientists and engineers go from idea to investment readiness – with structure, sharp feedback, and direct access to the Wilbe team through office hours. Participants may be considered for a first-check investment and a place on the next in-person founder residency in San Francisco.

No fee. No equity required to participate. No strings – we partner where there’s strong mutual fit, and only if you want us to. Founded in 2021, Wilbe has built and invested in generational companies from Proxima Fusion to Apoha on day zero, with a combined portfolio value of $3.25B to date.

Apply: https://app.wilbe.com/apply/4f32ae4

Become a Sustainable Imperial Student Ambassador 

Get recognised for the extra-curricular sustainability-related activities you get involved in!

  • Boost your sustainability knowledge and network with peers
  • Develop practical skills that support your employability
  • Help make a positive change at Imperial and beyond
  • Celebrate at the end of year awards ceremony

Learn more and register via the Sustainable Imperial Student Ambassadors webpage.

Join the online information session on Monday 5 October, 17:00-18:00 to discover more about the scheme.

Harvard Innovation Labs Stealth Startup Internship & Full Time Opportunities

Harvard Innovation Labs Stealth Startup
Internships & Full-Time Opportunities

Overview:
A Harvard Innovation Labs stealth startup is offering paid (1) Research, (2) Business Development, (3) Computational Biology, (4) Software Engineering, (5) Operations, (6) Campus Ambassador, (7) Executive Assistant, and (8) Chief of Staff internship and full-time opportunities to PhD, MD, MS and exceptional undergraduate students, clinical trainees and recent graduates.

Further Information:
(1) Researchers will focus on experimental design and execution, patent drafting, scientific assessment of proteins and pathways of interest, conducting literature reviews and prioritizing targets and assets. (2) Business Development team members will partake in activities related to funding and partnerships, including preparing materials and analyses for government, academic, philanthropic and venture-based grants as well as due diligence. (3) Computational Biologists will design and implement efficient algorithms to analyze high-dimensional biological datasets and advance data curation efforts. (4) Software Engineers will develop, maintain, and optimize applications and tools to advance research and business objectives. (5) Operations team members will support various functional aspects of the company, executing core business objectives, streamlining processes and supporting organizational efficiency. (6) Campus Ambassadors will spearhead campus engagement efforts and support recruiting initiatives through strategic outreach, relationship building and promotion. (7) Executive Assistants will provide administrative assistance to the CEO and senior executives, managing appointments and maintaining accurate records and documentation. A (8) Chief of Staff will work closely with the CEO to drive strategic priorities, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, manage key projects and communications, and ensure organisational alignment and execution across the company.

The positions offer a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in biotech company building and drug discovery. Interns and full-time hires will be provided with a highly competitive salary, equity and the option to work remotely. Full-time hires will be provided with a generous benefits package, including healthcare and paid time off. Internship positions will require approximately 5-10 hours of work per week for a duration of 3 months, with an option for extension and promotion for exceptional performers.

Qualifications/Requirements:
• Must be a graduate student (PhD, MD, MS), outstanding undergraduate student, clinical trainee or recent graduate at or from a top institution; prior work or research experience is preferred.
• Strong scientific or business acumen and curiosity, with the ability to navigate or support the advancement of biomedical fields including gene therapy and molecular and cell biology. A basic understanding of the drug discovery process is helpful, but not required.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Resourceful, proactive, independent and able to function at a high level with intermittent supervision, possessing meticulous attention to detail and organisation.
• For Computational Biologists: Proficiency with algorithm development and statistical analysis.
• For Software Engineers: Facility in developing and deploying complex software applications.

About the Company:
The company is developing a novel therapeutics platform for an array of monogenic and common diseases. Work to date has been funded by the Harvard Innovation Labs, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Francis Crick Institute, Innovate UK, the European Partnership for Personalised Medicine and a number of U.S. venture capital funds, including Pillar VC, BlueYard Capital and Harvard’s Allston Venture Fund, a venture collective of Bain Capital, General Catalyst, Polaris Partners, Highland Capital, Underscore VC and GETTYLAB.

Application Submission:
All applicants should use the following link to apply:
https://form.typeform.com/to/neHqe4I2?r=im

DT Prime Cohort Applications Open

Applications open today for DT Prime Cohort 6 and close on 18 Sept. DT Prime is a pre-commercial venture builder for deep science, run through the Institute for Deep Tech Entrepreneurship. We back ambitious, IP-rich projects that could become venture-scale spinouts or strategic licensing opportunities. Apply here: https://imperiallondon.sharepoint.com/sites/ICBS_DT-Prime

What is DT Prime?

A university venture builder, applying the discipline of an investor. Non-dilutive capital and close, hands-on support – intended to prepare Imperial’s science for institutional investment. Addressing the whole venture: strategy, market, technology, team and IP. Funding staged against value-inflection milestones, with further cycles where merited. DT Prime addresses the four dimensions of deep-tech venture creation:

Technology: managed de-risking, with experiments designed against investor-relevant value inflections.

Market: understanding of market potential, competitive positioning and first commercial application – developed through customer and industry conversations.

Team: support to transition from primarily scientific expertise toward the commercial leadership investors expect.

Funding: non-dilutive capital paired with expert venture-building support – typically £50k-£150k per cycle, staged across multiple cycles up to £500k as ventures reach investment readiness.

Each cycle runs for up to 9 months; ventures may complete one, two or three cycles depending on starting point. Open to academic staff across all faculties.

We welcome applications from Imperial researchers working on IP-rich, translationally relevant technologies across all four DT Prime portfolio domains – biotechnology platforms, medtech and digital health, IT hardware, and sustainable technologies. You should consider applying if:

  • your project is at or beyond proof of concept;
  • you’re interested in translation but don’t yet have a business plan or full IP strategy;
  • there’s a clear technical or commercial risk that, if addressed, could make the project more investable;
  • you’re open to working with experienced Venture Builders to shape your direction.

 

What’s involved?

Successful applicants work hands-on with a dedicated DT Prime Venture Builder to identify the investor-relevant value inflections their venture must reach, and to execute the targeted programme of work to get there. Support addresses the whole venture – technology, market, team and funding – staged across one or more cycles, with strategic mentoring and milestone reviews reinforcing progress.

New applicants:

  • Step 1 – Expression of Interest: a short (~1,000-word) online form on scientific novelty, translational ambition and early milestone thinking. Deadline 18 September 2026. Apply here: https://imperiallondon.sharepoint.com/sites/ICBS_DT-Prime
  • Step 2 – Full Application (by invitation): selected applicants submit a full proposal including budget, milestones and team details, by 16 October 2026.
  • Step 3 – Interview: final-stage applicants are interviewed on 3 & 4 November 2026.

 

Returning (previously funded) teams:

If your venture has been funded on DT Prime previously, apply through the Progression Route, not the EOI. Email the DT Prime team at applications.dt-prime@imperial.ac.uk to register your interest so we can plan numbers, then submit a Progression Application (with budget, execution plan and a short video) by 16 October 2026.

Cohort 6 will be confirmed by Friday 6 November 2026, with project scoping and funding starting immediately after.

Still unsure?

You don’t need a full business plan or IP strategy to apply – just great science and the ambition to see it make a difference. To discuss whether DT Prime is the right fit, speak with me (your Associate Dean of Enterprise) or your Enterprise Champion, or contact the DT Prime team at applications.dt-prime@imperial.ac.uk.

Key dates

Milestone Date
Applications open (EOI) 2 September 2026
EOI deadline 18 September 2026
Full Application (by invitation) deadline 16 October 2026
Progression Application deadline (returning teams) 16 October 2026
Interview dates 3 & 4 November 2026
Cohort confirmed 6 November 2026
Projects complete by 31 July 2027

5050 Company Creation Programme for Researchers

Last call: Applications are open for 5050

A free, part-time company-creation programme for researchers, powered by the UK government’s ARIA (the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, allocated £1 billion in the April 2025 spending review), built to help scientists and engineers tackle big problems.

Part-time. Bolts alongside existing research commitments. No idea or existing company required.

Through 5050, 115 scientists and engineers have founded impact-oriented startups, with a 96% seed raise success rate.

Alumni consistently share that it’s the best use of their time. Hear more from them.

Researchers get mentorship from mission-oriented founders like Scott Phoenix (raised $250M for Vicarious, acquired by Alphabet) and Sir Tony Kouzarides (co-founded Storm, Chroma and Abcam, sold for $5.7B).

5050 is run by the team who’ve supported 135 impactful companies to raise $6B.

Designed for scientists and engineers — you’d be a good fit if:

  • You’re exploring how to turn your research into a company
  • You’re ready and excited to build something outside your current work
  • You’re not sure if now’s the right time, but you’re keen to have a real-world impact

Applications are open for the September–December cohort here!

Know someone who could be great? Recommend them here 😊

Get involved at Imperial Lates 2026-27

Imperial Lates are returning this autumn with three exciting new themes. These fun and free post-work events are a great night out, as well as a fantastic opportunity for Imperial staff and students to get experience in public engagement in a laid-back setting.

Whether you’re a seasoned Public Engagement expert or have never taken your work outside the lab, the Lates team wants to hear from you! Fully developed activities or initial ideas are equally welcome, and the team can help you to develop your proposition into a talk, exhibit or workshop.

Please complete the open call Qualtrics form to register your interest, and if you have any questions about the ideas submission process, please get in touch via email (lates@imperial.ac.uk)

This year’s themes are:

  1. Robots (29 October 2026) – we are looking for any research or projects related to robots, tech or automation. We are also open to some ideas about AI and machine learning. To be considered please submit your idea as soon as possible, and definitely by 25 August 2026 (17:00).
  2. African Science (3 December 2026) – This event will celebrate research collaborations across the African continent and showcase how research and innovation projects involving Imperial teams creating impact on the ground. To be considered, please submit your proposal as soon as possible, and no later than 5 October 2026 (17:00).
  3. Staying Connected (28 Jan 2027) – we would be interested in research projects looking at any aspect that helps improve the ability to stay connected in the modern day – anything from satellites, telecommunications, attraction, networks, internet, social media, social isolation, policies around remote working, digital inclusions or activities that support networking and building connections. This event may also have links to Valentines Day and/or LGBTQ+ History Month. Please submit your idea by 17 November 2026 (17:00).

If none of these quite fit with your area of expertise, you can still get involved as a volunteer! Volunteers keep everything running smoothly and can have a go at several roles, such as welcoming guests, supporting researchers or artists taking part in a workshop or talk or capturing social media content for Imperial channels. If you are an Imperial staff member or student interested in volunteering at Imperial Lates, you can sign up to the volunteer portal to be notified when shifts open.

2027–28 Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship (deadline: 11 Nov)

The 2027–28 Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers from any discipline based at academic institutions in Israel, providing a monthly stipend of 14,000 NIS for up to three years.

The deadline for applications is November 11, 2026.

Please note that applicants must secure an academic sponsor in Israel prior to submitting their application.

Volunteering Opportunity: Make Graduation Magical

Volunteer at Commemoration Day 2026 on Wednesday 21 October.

Please sign up to support us by filling in the Registration Form!

Enjoy a free lunch, a drink and snacks on the day, plus the chance to win afternoon tea for two at the Royal Albert Hall. You will also be invited to a special Volunteer Thank You event! Spread the word and tell your colleagues!

If you have any queries, please contact Jessica Leung (Graduation Events team).