Invest in ME Research Summer Student Bursaries

Applications Close: 07 April 2026

Salary: Stipend £175 per week

Contract Length: Up to 8 weeks

A limited number of eight-week summer bursaries are available for undergraduate students wishing to gain practical experience in a biomedical research laboratory and to explore a potential future career in research.

The Quadram Institute, with the support of the charity Invest in ME Research, is establishing a centre of excellence for fundamental and translational research into the causes and treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

ME/CFS is a chronic, disabling condition affecting an estimated 400,000 children and adults in the UK. There is currently no cure, and few individuals make a full recovery. Progress towards new treatments depends on rigorous research into the biological mechanisms underlying the disease. These bursaries offer an opportunity to contribute to ongoing laboratory-based research investigating potential infectious and microbiological contributors to ME/CFS.

Successful candidates will receive £175 per week for up to eight weeks (£1,400 total), generously funded by Invest in ME Research. At the end of the placement, students will be expected to write a short summary reflecting on their experience for the Invest in ME Research website.

Nature of the Research

Summer students will join an active research group working on microbiological and immunological aspects of ME/CFS. Projects will be aligned with ongoing research activities at the time of the placement and may involve a combination of laboratory-based and/or computational approaches.

In addition to hands-on laboratory or data analysis experience, students will gain insight into how ME/CFS research studies are designed, organised, and conducted — including aspects of study planning, sample handling, data management, and interpretation within a translational research framework.

Depending on the direction of work during the summer period, students may gain experience in areas such as:

• Molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based methods)
• Microbial culture and characterisation
• Analysis of host–microbe interactions
• Bioinformatic or metagenomic data analysis
• Data interpretation and scientific communication

Specific project details will be discussed with successful applicants prior to the start date, considering both current research priorities and the student’s skills and interests.

Person Specification

We are seeking highly motivated undergraduate students with:

• A strong academic record in a relevant subject (e.g., biomedical sciences, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines)
• A demonstrated interest in biomedical research and in ME/CFS
• Careful attention to detail and good organisational skills
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Previous laboratory experience is desirable but not essential.

Application Process

Interested applicants should send:

• A CV (including current degree programme and results to date)
• A cover letter outlining their interest in ME/CFS research and their motivation for applying

Applications should be sent to simon.carding@quadram.ac.uk

The deadline for applications is 7 April 2026 at 17:00 (BST).
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2026.

Apply