Open Innovation Team PhD Placement Scheme 2026-27

Applications for our three-month long policy and evaluation placements are now open.

The Open Innovation Team’s (OIT) PhD placement scheme brings PhD students into the heart of government, working with civil service teams on real policy challenges. We’ve hosted more than 150 PhD students since 2016, with many going on to policy jobs in government and think tanks. The scheme offers a unique opportunity to develop skills, grow networks and get an insight into how government works. Find out more and apply below.

Applications for our three-month long policy and evaluation placements are now open for July to September 2026, October to December 2026, January to March 2027 and April to June 2027. To apply, please complete the application form.

Applications will close at 12pm on Friday 13 February 2026.

The OIT is a cross-government unit that works on a wide range of policies, including health, justice, education, sustainability, energy, international development, and artificial intelligence. Last year, the team launched the Evaluation Services Unit (ESU) to evaluate the impact of policies across a range of areas. 

For years now, PhD students have played an important role in helping us deliver policy projects, working alongside experienced officials, academics and other experts to deliver the highest quality analysis and advice to colleagues across government.

Alongside our policy placements, we are offering placements in the ESU. The ESU uses a range of methods - quantitative, quasi-experimental as well as qualitative and theory-based - to evaluate government policy and assess its impacts. No prior experience of evaluation methodologies is required, though some knowledge of quantitative and/or relevant qualitative research methods is desirable for this placement.