Junior research associates : Doctoral School : University of Sussex

The University of Sussex Junior Research Associate (JRA) scheme is a pioneering project which aims to develop future research leaders. It encourages talented and ambitious undergraduates to consider a career in research following graduation. The scheme recognises academic excellence and drive by supporting our best undergraduates during the summer vacation as they work alongside Sussex’s top research faculty on real-life research projects.

The Doctoral School offers a number JRA bursaries worth up to £1,800 each. The purpose of these bursaries is to provide an opportunity for talented and ambitious undergraduates to participate in original research with staff and other members of the University community during the summer vacation. It is expected that JRAs will be seriously considering post-graduate research and the scheme aims to help them realise this ambition.

JRA Scheme - video

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"The JRA scheme allowed one of the most rewarding experiences in my academic career. I studied honey bees in the new £250,000 bee and social insect lab for ten weeks over the summer, loving every minute. I carried out original research [which] I'm hoping to publish soon in a scientific journal. The scheme catapulted me into real-life research with real-life animals, and thus I now feel more confident overall as a student, as well as having a much clearer idea of the career I want to pursue. When you take part in this scheme, its not just research you undertake; you understand your degree topic from many further angles, you see how your university functions, and you make contacts and friends invaluable to your academic success."

Heather Moore - JRA (Biology)