Students and fellows

Are you just starting out in your career and looking for an opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills? LifeArc is now offering opportunities for students, undergraduates, graduates and post-graduate researchers to develop their skills and progress their career goals.

Our programmes provide hands-on training, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects. If you want to take the first steps in a career in life sciences, apply now and take the first step towards a successful career.

Virtual work experience

Want to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the work of a biology research team? The new LifeArc virtual work experience programme offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the day-to-day tasks of a LifeArc scientist.

Through the online programme, you’ll learn how to optimise experimental conditions, analyse data to determine optimal conditions, synthesise evidence and present your results.

We hope this programme provides a great resource for you to up-skill and strengthen your CV as you explore career options and a potential career at LifeArc!

Find out about our virtual work experience

“The virtual work experience programme is an excellent opportunity to see what the day-to-day workings of an industrial research scientist looks like. The lessons are online, so while we may not be in the lab, these skills are the bread and butter of innovation.”
Finbar - LifeArc Scientist

AUTM Fellows in discussion in a meeting room at LifeArc

Fellowships

Our two fellowship programmes help develop skills and knowledge for scientists who are interested in building a career in technology transfer – and in advancing fundamental science towards patients.

The LifeArc Technology Transfer Fellowship offers four Fellowships and runs for a 12-month period, with full funding provided by LifeArc.

The LifeArc-AUTM Technology Transfer Fellowship pairs UK life-science graduates and post-doctoral students with an experienced technology transfer mentor who will help them prepare for a career in technology transfer.

Fellowships at LifeArc

Placement students in the laboratory in Stevenage

Industrial placements

Are you a university student passionate about early therapeutic discovery and diagnostic development? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories?

LifeArc’s industrial placement scheme is the perfect opportunity for you to experience working across a number of areas in either the drug discovery or diagnostic development process.

Each year we recruit up to 12 university students to work closely with an experienced member of our team in Stevenage or Edinburgh on exciting projects. As well as gaining valuable research experience, it can also help you with your degree submissions.

More on the industrial placement scheme

Placement student in the lab in Stevenage.

"During my placement, I worked on a COVID-19 project, where I was lucky enough to develop my laboratory skills, including optimisation and validation of MST and functional in vitro cell-based assays, alongside analysing various data outputs.

"Working in a research group has given me the tools to confidently design experiments and trouble-shoot problems when they ultimately arise. I have also learnt valuable skills when presenting to team members and won best presentation in a company-wide Science Review day."
Natasha, an industrial placement student

Find our more about an industrial placement

"Right from the start, the support and mentoring we received was incredible. Furthermore, the resources in the form of materials, access to conferences, courses, and the opportunity to interact with high-achieving professionals were pivotal in developing a good understanding of the field.

"What also makes this course so much more valuable is the unique mentoring support in the form of a buddy and expert mentor. The mentors were patient, caring and helped me to understand the practicality of the technology transfer landscape. Finally, the icing on the cake was the flexibility of the course that allows one to test the waters before jumping straight into it!"
Tansi Khodai, AUTM Fellow 2020-2021

AUTM fellowships

The Aisling Burnand LifeArc Research Fellowship

A research fellowship running for three years at the Daphne Jackson Trust.

The fellowship is open to a talented professional returning to life sciences research following a career break.

The fellowship is in honour of our dear friend, colleague and trustee, Aisling Burnand CBE, 1964-2022.

Apply today

"Aisling was an exceptional Trustee, our good friend and an immensely respected and passionate figure in the life sciences research sector. It was hugely important to the Board and everyone at LifeArc to do something to honour her contribution and the huge legacy she leaves behind."

Dr Melanie Lee, Former CEO

Find out more and apply

Where next?

Virtual work experience

Immerse yourself in the day-to-day activities of a LifeArc scientist

Learn more

Tech Transfer Fellowship

Supports scientists to make the move to technology transfer

Learn more

LifeArc-AUTM Fellowship

Formal training with networking, mentoring and practical experience

Learn more