Sandwich students

We are looking for high calibre, motivated undergraduates, with backgrounds in a relevant subject (e.g. biological or biomedical sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, computer science) to join the 2024 Crick sandwich programme.

Applications for the 2024 Crick Sandwich Student programme are now closed!

Undergraduate students in a collaboration space at the Crick.

Introduction

Sandwich students join one of the Crick's research groups or science technology platforms for 12 months, working on a defined research project.

As well as benefitting from well-resourced research labs and state-of-the-art facilities, you will be provided with a supportive and stimulating work environment, and scientific and transferable skills training.

As a sandwich student at the Crick it was exciting to contribute to real research by applying and developing some of the knowledge and skills I gained at university.
Fiona Kinnis - 2021 sandwich student

The programme

The Sandwich Student Programme starts with an induction which will introduce you to the Crick, how to work in its laboratories, and each other.

During the following year, you will attend internal and external seminars and take part in scientific and professional development training. Towards the end of the programme, you will receive training in scientific presentation skills before presenting your work at a Crick Sandwich Student Symposium.

What we offer

We provide successful applicants with: 

  • a place on the Crick sandwich student programme;
  • a 12-month full-time (36 hours per week) contract of employment as a Sandwich Placement Laboratory Research Assistant;
  • a salary of £23,380 per annum to cover living and travel costs during the placement. 

Eligibility

My placement turned me into a more confident and well-rounded researcher and individual in general. It has greatly increased my drive to pursue a PhD and further contribute towards science and society. 
Ying Low - 2021 sandwich student

Applicants must:

  • be registered at a UK university, and studying in the UK for an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline;
  • be in their second year of undergraduate study if at a university in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or third year if at a university in Scotland; and have at least one further year of undergraduate study to complete after the placement year;
  • be studying on an undergraduate programme for which a sandwich / industrial placement year is a formal part of the degree, or must be able to demonstrate that they may interrupt their studies for 12 months to undertake a placement;
  • have the legal right to work in the UK
    • International students studying full time in the UK at UK universities may apply, provided they can demonstrate that undertaking a sandwich / industrial placement year is a formal part of their undergraduate programme and that their student visa or pre-settled/settled status allows them to undertake full-time paid work for one year.


Students studying at for degrees at universities outside the UK are not eligible for the programme.

Interviews:

The interview programme will take place at the Crick on Monday 27 November 2023. Candidates will spend all day at the institute. The Crick will pay for hotel accommodation (if needed) and reasonable travel expenses from a UK address.
During the morning candidates will find out more about the Crick and the sandwich programme. In the afternoon, candidates will be interviewed by the supervisors that have shortlisted them.

After the interviews, supervisors will decide who they would like to make an offer to. All interviewees will be notified of the final outcome of their application by Friday 29 December 2023.

The sandwich programme will start in early July 2024. If you would like to start later than this date you will be able discuss an alternative start date if you are made an offer. The placement will end 12 months after the start date.

Application process

Recruitment Timeline

  • Thursday 05 October 2023 (12 noon GMT)

    Application deadline 

  • Thursday 12 October 2023

    Reference deadline

  • By Thursday 16 November 2023

    Applicants informed of application outcome, either invited to interview or unsuccessful

  • Monday 27 November 2023

    Interviews

  • By Friday 29 December 2023

    Interviewees informed of outcome

  • Monday 05 July 2024

    Sandwich programme start date

 

Before beginning an application, you should read the information on this page and the candidate instructions in full. You should also find out about the sandwich positions available.
Applications must be submitted through our student recruitment system. 

Key information:

  • You must complete all required sections of the application form in full. 
  • Your application must be submitted by the deadline: 12noon (GMT), Thursday 05 October 2023.
  • We will not accept late applications.
  • References should be received by Thursday 12 October 2023. Your application may still be considered if references are not received by this deadline. However, no applicant will be invited to interview unless references have been received.
  • You will be notified of the outcome of your application by Thursday 16 November 2023. 

After the reference submission deadline, your application will be available to the following people:

  • Members of the Crick’s Academic Training Team (junior researchers) for the purposes of checking eligibility and administering your application;
  • All the recruiting supervisors, and also, relevant members of their group for the purposes of shortlisting.

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