Project Description:

• Funding is critical to de-risk R&D-intensive development/commercialisation of space and satellite technologies. The UK government provides many funding opportunities through a wide range of channels, but this plurality can confuse space entrepreneurs (both domestic and potential inward investors). This project will prepare an accessible overview/explanation of the UK funding landscape to facilitate start-ups/scale-ups in unlocking further growth potential in the UK space sector – benefitting our industry, economy, society and environment.

• We're often asked by space entrepreneurs (UK and could-be UK) whether there is an authoritative site/publication they can consult to learn about UK public (incl. HMG Depts, Public bodies, Agencies, Satellite Applications Catapult, UKRI / Innovate UK / STFC, ESA, Horizon) funding that they could apply for to help them elevate their business idea. Whilst there are some summary pages, these are partial and/or outdated.

• This project aims to produce such an 'as comprehensive as possible' overview, by undertaking the following activities:

  - Induction & Team Meet'n'Greet

  - Initiation: know.space explains objectives of the project

  - Scoping of funding sources and outputs (with guidance)

  - Develop research plan and framework (with guidance)

  - Research funding sources

  - Collate findings into standardised framework

  - Design output format (with guidance)

  - Produce outputs (with guidance & QA review):

  - Report

  - SPIN Presentation/Poster

  The main output will be a free, published report available on the know.space website, and promoted via LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., acting as a route map for start-up and scale-up space companies to find the most appropriate funding streams available to propel them on their growth journey.

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

• Studying for or holding a degree in an analytical subject such as economics, social research, engineering, maths, or statistics.

• Humanities students are also welcome to apply, if comfortable with researching funding streams.

Minimum requirements:

• A research and analytical mindset (e.g. literature review, data management)

• Attention to detail

• Strong research skills, and the ability to synthesise non-standardised information (different funding source schemes, criteria, etc)

• Interest in satellite technologies and the space industry

• A creative, solution-orientated ability to work with heterogenous (non-standardised) information

• A strong work ethic, motivation, and organisational skills

• Good written and oral communication skills in English

Desirable requirements:

• Proficiency with Microsoft programmes, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• Flexibility on start date with an in-person Induction Event to be held on the Start Date, and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held in London

• 4 days holiday to be taken during the placement

How we work:

Our advice is built on excellence in primary and secondary research, statistical analysis, data science and economic modelling. Compiling, handling, and analysing complex datasets are key tasks in our everyday work. This project will develop sought-after skills within the space industry, particularly those flagged in our Space Sector Skills Survey 2023, including:

• Knowledge of funding and investment in the space industry

• Qualitative research and quantitative analysis skills (under guidance of leading space sector experts)

• Consultancy experience, commercial awareness, and practical experience of real-world data, professional team, and commercial operations - invaluable for early career job applicants

• It will give the intern the chance to develop 'real world' skills in terms of: research collation and synthesis, collaborative working, written and verbal communication, and confidence in their own capabilities to research, communicate and produce professional outputs.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job, and we actively encourage applications from female candidates and candidates from diverse backgrounds who may be more likely to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.