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Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Encouraging interdisciplinary research collaborations between academics and undergraduate students

Applications for 2026-27 Undergraduate Research Assistantship programme are now open. Click here to apply.

In 2017, the Centre launched the US Centre Undergraduate Research Assistantship programme as a means of encouraging US-related interdisciplinary research collaborations between academics and undergraduate students at LSE. After resounding success and generous donations from alumni, the Centre is running the programme once again in 2026 for a tenth cohort of students.

I enjoyed meeting the other RAs at the mid-way session. This gave a sense of being part of a wider programme, as the research itself is independent. - Kasia Micklem, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2021/22

The Research Assistantship program was one of the highlights of my LSE experience and has given me a myriad of personal, academic and professional skills. - Eileen Gbagbo, Undergraduate Research Assistant 2019/20

This academic year, the Phelan US Centre is seeking 11 undergraduate students to take part in US-related interdisciplinary research collaborations with LSE academics. These internship positions are open to all 2nd, 3rd and 4th year LSE undergraduate students, and LSE General Course students who are interested in research projects focused on the United States.

The undergraduate research assistants (UGRAs) will collaborate with their faculty supervisor over the course of the 2026-27 academic year. Tasks vary greatly depending on the project, but might include reading archival documents, writing bibliographic essays, or conducting quantitative analysis.

Students will work 100 hours (no more than 10 hours per week) over the course of the academic year. The student is responsible for checking their own visa regulations (if applicable) and confirming that they are permitted to work on the project. Research work is paid at £18 per hour.

Candidates should consult the project descriptions, programme FAQs, and person specification before submitting their application. These documents can be found attached to this job advert and on our website. The Phelan US Centre will also host an online information session on Monday, 12th October from 2pm – 3pm BST. Click here to register.

To apply, please fill out the short online form by 23:59 on Monday 19th October. Please note that we are expecting a substantial amount of demand for the programme this year. We reserve the right to close the application window early in the event of overwhelming demand and encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment. Candidates can expect to learn the outcome of their application in early November 2026.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Develop the ability to manage and deliver research to tight deadlines.
  2. Gain an understanding of key historical and policy issues relating to the US.
  3. Exposure to new and innovative research methods, and improvement of existing research skills.
  4. Develop the ability to work with an academic, as well as to work independently.
  5. Improved organisational skills and time management.

Collaborating over the course of an academic year, undergraduate students are paired with LSE academics who require assistance in collecting or processing new data, gathering archival resources, writing-up a blog article, or conducting library searches.

To read about the successes of the 2025/26 programme, check out our donor report.

For more information on the previous years' research projects, click here.

Please note that only LSE faculty who are existing US Centre Affiliates (or those who are otherwise affiliated with the US Centre, including as Visiting Professors) are eligible to work with a Research Assistant as part of the US Centre's Undergraduate Research Assistantship programme.

The programme has been generously funded by LSE Alumni. Read more about the programme at Supporting LSE.

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