Summer 2026 Research Internship
Research & Insights Team – Lincoln
Interested in defence, geopolitics, emerging technology or national security?
Want to see what real-world research looks like inside a secure technology business supporting defence and government customers?
Our Research & Insights Team is offering a Summer Research Internship designed for university students looking to apply their academic research skills in a commercial and operational environment.
This is not a generic admin placement.
You’ll contribute to live research activity exploring defence, security, technology, geopolitics and future trends, while learning directly from experienced researchers and specialists working across the sector.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll join the Research & Insights Team at MASS, supporting research that helps our business and customers understand emerging threats, technologies and strategic challenges.
Across the placement, you’ll:
- Support ongoing research projects aligned to your interests where possible
- Attend Research 101 workshops covering:
- Research methodologies
- Academic vs commercial research
- Communicating insights effectively
- Analytical thinking within defence and technology
- Participate in careers workshops covering:
- CV writing
- Interview preparation
- Networking
- Dissertation support
- Meet colleagues from across MASS with experience spanning defence, intelligence, engineering and advanced technology
- Gain exposure to how research supports decision-making in highly secure environments
Previous internship topics have included:
- The impact of Saudi Arabia’s strategic alliances on UK defence relations
- Threats impacting Japanese security
- Analysis supporting the UK Strategic Defence Review
- Regional security challenges affecting Jordan
Why This Internship Is Different
Most university research stays academic.
This gives you the opportunity to see how research is applied commercially and operationally, where insights can influence real decisions, programmes and strategic thinking.
You’ll work alongside a team with backgrounds spanning academia, defence and industry, giving you exposure to different approaches, methodologies and ways of thinking.
If you’re considering a future in defence, intelligence, strategy, policy, research or emerging technology, this placement will give you valuable first-hand experience of the sector.
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need previous defence experience.
We’re more interested in curiosity, analytical thinking and a genuine interest in research.
You’ll likely be studying a degree related to:
- International Relations
- Politics
- War Studies
- Security Studies
- History
- Cyber Security
- Intelligence or Data disciplines
- Engineering or Technology
But we’re equally interested in people who can demonstrate strong research capability and enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Placement Details
- Location: New Horizons Office, Lincoln
- Duration: 10-13 weeks across the summer
- Commitment: Typically, one day per week
- Working Pattern: Flexible around university and existing commitments
- Remote Working: Potential opportunity later in the placement
- Security: NDA required due to the nature of the work
- Salary: Unpaid work experience placement
How to Apply
Head to the advert on our Careers page, here
Click apply and create a login to upload your CV (and add a short Cover Letter into “Additional Details”), explaining:
- Your current studies
- Areas of interest
- Why this opportunity interests you
Applications close on xx/xx/xx.
If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when we speak.