N8 CIR Internship application for researchers and dRTPs

Applications are invited from academic researchers (post-PhD) and dRTPs (at any career stage) working in an N8 institution. Namely, Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, and York.

Projects should have a strong component of high-performance computing. They can focus on answering questions in

• One of the three N8-CIR academic themes (Digital Health, Digital Humanities, and Machine Learning)
• A high-performance computing application outside these themes
• Promoting best practice in one of our cross-cutting digital research infrastructure professional (dRTP) themes (Research Software Engineering, Research Data Management, and Research Infrastructure Engineering).

Each project should demonstrate the use of best practices and the development of technical expertise specific to the dRTP role. Examples of activities are below:

• The use of high-performance computing (e.g., as provided by the Bede supercomputer)
• Developing software or code that contributes to a research project's aims
• Improving the user experience of digital research infrastructure specific to a research group.
• Improving research data management practices in a research project or institution, showing the value of embedding data stewardship practices.

There should be a strong digital research infrastructure component where discussion with an RSE, RDM, or RIE within the timeframe is expected. The N8 CIR will, in addition to the student stipend, cover the cost of 1 hour per week of dRPT support for each project.

• The principal supervisor (academic or dRPT) will be responsible for the intern's day-to-day activities. The intern is expected to attend weekly meetings with the principal supervisor and named dRTP to discuss progress and seek assistance as needed.
• Projects can run for any 8 weeks over the summer between 1 June and 11 September.
• Access to the Bede supercomputer will be available if required.

Applications are welcome from academic researchers (post-PhD) or dRTPs (at any career stage) as the Principal Supervisor. An application must include a named dRTP when submitted. You cannot propose more than two projects.

In the application form, we request the following information:

• The contact information of both the supervisor and the co-supervisor
• An executive summary of the project (max 100 words) to be used to advertise your project on our web page (if selected).
• An approximate schedule (expectations of project development per week)
• The proposed project information to be sent to the selection panel, uploaded as a PDF no longer than a single page of A4. This document must include:
  • The project title
  • Lead supervisor's name, department, and email address
  • A project description which includes overviews of:
    • The relevant context of the project, including overarching goals
    • The computational aspects and why HPC compute resources are key to its success

We will add a downloadable version of this document to our web pages, along with your executive summary, if your application is successful. This will be shared to assist students in making their decisions. You should expect them to contact you to discuss your project before they apply.

• Application from Principal Supervisor: Friday 6 March 2026
• Assessment of applications: Monday 6 March - Friday 13 March 2026
• Notification of selection of your project from your institution: Monday, 16 March 2026
• Advertising projects to students: week beginning Monday 16 March 2026
• Student application closing date: This will vary by institution, and you will be informed of it when you are notified that your project has been selected.

If you would like clarification on the application process or have any questions regarding your application, please contact us through our enquiries email address: enquiries@n8cir.org.uk