Year in Industry Programme

Why do your Year in Industry at Earlham Institute?

The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics. Our state-of-the-art building is home to exceptional scientists and cutting-edge facilities, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure.

Based on the Norwich Research Park – sitting alongside our partners the John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute, and The Sainsbury Laboratory – the Earlham Institute houses dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation. The Institute also hosts one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe.

A Year In Industry placement with us provides you with the latest technology, ownership of your project, variety in your work, and an all-round perspective of modern life science research. You'll also be supported by experts in their field and have access to our range of training opportunities to further your knowledge base in data-intensive bioscience.

Open to UK undergraduate students only. We accept applications from students studying one of the following disciplines:

• Biological sciences
• Natural sciences
• Biochemistry
• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Physics

You should be enrolled in a degree programme with a placement year. We particularly encourage applications from those enrolled in an integrated Masters with industrial placement in final year.

This programme is not available to those currently studying in first or final years.

• Successful candidates will be paid a stipend, which is currently set for the academic year 2026/27 at £20,434 p.a.
• Placements commence Wednesday 08 September 2027
• Students split into research project groups in early October
• Presentation to EI staff at end of placement (July)
• Report on progress (format depends on University requirements, otherwise Scientific & Reflective report)
• 12 months post placement feedback
• 5 years post placement feedback

Applications for September 2027 intake will be open 1-31 October 2026.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to extend the deadline or welcome late applications.

We kindly ask that all applications be submitted using our online application form.

Please declare any use of AI tools in preparing your application. While we recognise that AI can assist with certain tasks, we value authentic, hands-on contributions and do not encourage applications generated primarily by AI.

During your application, you will be asked (250 words per answer):

• After reviewing Earlham Institute's research programmes, identify one programme that particularly interests you. Explain why it appeals to you and how it aligns with your scientific interests, academic studies, or research experience.  
• Why would you like to undertake a research placement at the Earlham Institute? Please explain what you hope to learn from the experience and how it would support your future academic, research, or career goals.  

You will also be asked to describe how you meet the following essential skills (you should refer to any specific experiences, such as paid work, work experience or extracurricular activities, which have helped you to develop these skills) (100 words per skill):

• Problem-solving
• Independent, self-directed learning
• Communication
• Teamwork

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 2 December, in-person at Earlham Institute, or virtually if required (reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses is available). Invitations for interview will be sent out on Friday 13 November.

Due to the number of applications that we receive, we will only be able to contact those who have been successful in being shortlisted for an interview. We cannot offer feedback to those not shortlisted for an interview.