Zinc PhD Student Innovation Internships 2024

ZINC

Mar 15

Applications are closed

Internship
Full-time
Off-cycle Internship
Business, Operations & Strategy
London

Requirements

Innovation Internships are open to any PhD student whose funding arrangements cover time spent on this placement. For the Innovation Internships, we can accept applications from students including from both SHAPE and STEMM disciplines. You might have expertise in data science or computer science; you might bring skills in design, or qualitative research, or psychometrics.
Passion for one of our missions is paramount and we are especially keen to hear from students whose research is in a field relevant to the mission they are interested in and/or who have relevant professional or voluntary experience in this area. We are also looking for students with a strong interest in learning more about how research can be used in evidence-based, mission-focused early-stage innovation.
Beyond this, we will look for evidence of the following skills and attributes:
Ability to help design and deliver high-quality research: You'll have experience in designing and implementing research projects from scratch and feel comfortable with the idea of doing that in a new context (with support, of course!).
Excellent communication skills: You’ll need to have outstanding written and oral communications skills and be comfortable initiating and holding conversations with people at different levels of seniority, and with people from different personal and professional backgrounds.
Information synthesis and report-writing skills: You’ll need to be able to process and synthesise information from different disciplines and fields, and to report key findings clearly and succinctly.
Flexibility and ability to respond positively to changing circumstances: You can plan and execute research in a fast-paced, agile environment, working to tight deadlines.
Team player: Although much of your work will be self-directed, you’ll be part of Zinc’s growing Research & Development team and will join a cross-disciplinary cohort of Innovation Internships placed across Zinc and our portfolio ventures. An interest in and ability to work with people from different backgrounds is important to the role.
Effective, positive and proactive: You are organised and hands-on, and able to use initiative to make decisions. A positive, “can-do” attitude is essential.

Responsibilities

Innovation Internships are three-month placements with Zinc, available to anyone whose funding includes provision for a period in industry as part of their studentship. Our Innovation Internships allow students to spend time working closely with founders in one of several Zinc portfolio companies. These Internships offer PhD students a chance to get a different sort of industry experience, an exciting alternative to joining a big corporate organisation or public sector body.
Innovation Internships are open to students interested in any one of our mission areas. Students will be matched with 1-2 ventures with whom they will apply and advance their skills, as well as having support and guidance from Zinc.

ZINC

Zinc builds new companies that solve the developed world’s toughest social issues.

Venture Capital & Private Equity

Industry

11-50

Employees

2017

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Zinc is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in mission-driven companies. With a passion for supporting entrepreneurs who are tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges, Zinc provides funding, expertise, and a strong network to help these companies grow and make a positive impact. Their ultimate mission is to drive positive social change by investing in businesses that are addressing key societal issues such as healthcare, education, climate change, and more. Zinc's purpose is to support and empower entrepreneurs who are using innovative solutions to create a better future. By providing capital and strategic guidance, they aim to catalyse the growth and success of mission-driven ventures and contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive world.