R&D Proposals Contract Intern

Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organisation. We help businesses grow by applying advanced technologies, partnering with government, industry, and academia to deliver solutions that benefit the UK’s economy and society. With nearly 300 innovators across multiple UK regions, we tackle significant challenges through collaborative, practical innovation, enabling responsible development and adoption of deep technologies. 

Join Digital Catapult as our new R&D Contract Intern and play a critical role in shaping the UK’s future in advanced digital technologies. The purpose of this internship is to provide practical support to the R&D Proposals and Partnerships team in the coordination of publicly funded award contracting activity. Working under supervision, the intern will help maintain accurate records, coordinate documentation, support stakeholder communications and contribute to the smooth progression of Collaboration Agreements, Grant Agreements and Grant Funding Agreements through internal review and signature processes. 

What you'll do (Duties)
 

• Support the coordination of publicly funded R&D contracting activity, tracking progress from award notification through to contract signature 

• Assist with preparing, collating and organising key documents including Collaboration Agreements, Grant Agreements and related funding documentation 

• Help maintain accurate records, version control and audit-ready files across contracting workflows and shared systems 

• Support internal stakeholder coordination across Legal, Finance, Project Management, Technology and R&D Proposals teams 

• Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, capturing actions and maintaining workflow trackers to support delivery progress 

• Help gather information, track outstanding actions and support escalation of issues or risks to appropriate team members 
  
  

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage and track multiple tasks accurately and consistently 

• Good communication skills, with confidence working with a range of internal stakeholders 

• High attention to detail, particularly when handling documentation, records and process tracking 

• A proactive and reliable approach, willing to support coordination and follow-up activity in a structured environment 

• Ability to work under guidance, follow established processes and escalate issues appropriately 

• Interest in R&D, innovation funding, or project/contract administration within a collaborative team environment 
• Recently completed, a degree, apprenticeship, vocational qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant subject such as business, law, public policy, innovation, project management or administration 
  
  
  Salary: c £28,860 per annum
  Deadline for applications: Friday June 29, 3 pm BST
  Start Date: As soon as possible
  

Like the sound of what we do but unsure if this is the right role for you? If you are interested in joining Digital Catapult and hearing about our latest vacancies, please email across your CV to [email protected]

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society.
• We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.
• As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.
• Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year and bank holidays;
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• Discretionary company bonus;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.