Summer pre-degree internships - Task 033
Fit to programme
This task has been identified by the working groups as part of the agenda behind WP 4.1.
The task number is 033.
Description
This project should create a number of 6-8 week summer internships for pre-degree applicants, who have completed A-levels and are intending to study Computer Science or a Physical Science (or similar) at University, and who have an interest in large-scale (accelerated) compute. It should aim to give them an introduction to large-scale compute with user/researcher, RSE and RTP concepts, and the interns should spend time in various different departments and groups throughout the host University, doing RSE and RTP-led projects. They should gain access to national large-scale compute systems, and will also spend a significant amount of time develop projects within Hardware Lab environments. Likely departments and groups include Research Computing, Computer Science, Physics, Maths and Engineering.
This project should expose the interns to experimental and cutting edge hardware and large scale compute at an early stage in their careers, delivering knowledge which will be of use to them throughout their degrees, and will alert them to the possibility of careers within the DRI landscape, and go a long way towards breaking down perceived barriers in accessing large scale compute. It will seek to excite them in areas of technological advancement.
Interns must be at least 18 years old on the starting date.
Approach
This project should offer a small number (e.g. 6-10) of paid summer internships with a 6-8 week duration, with some flexibility in start date, to run from July through to September 2026. The national living wage should be paid.
The project will have a number of key contacts (supervisors) within different academic, research and compute departments who will be prepared to offer guided subprojects for interns to complete, typically a week or two in duration. The interns should then complete these projects working in small groups from two up to the total influx.
A core component of the internships will include projects on novel, cutting-edge or experimental hardware, typically found in hardware test-beds, to expose the interns to cutting edge and experimental facilities, and encourage and develop an inquisitiveness within the interns.
The subprojects should be designed to give maximum exposure to large scale compute, from user, RSE and RTP perspectives, including scientific workloads, data processing, system monitoring, system optimisation and configuration, and user support. Opportunity to work towards professional qualifications should be considered, and training should be provided (including manual handling and data centre operations).
The interns will be expected to present their work and experience during their final few days.
The internships should be advertised at local state-funded schools and colleges, and a short interview carried out to determine suitability. Applications from all sectors of society should be encouraged, with positive engagement with under-represented groups.
Outputs
The key output will be an internship scheme for pre-degree, post-A-level applicants, exposing them to large scale (accelerated) compute. The internships will be on-premise, and primarily in small groups.
Deliverables will be:
- A solid internship programme
- Advertisements at local state-funded schools and colleges
- The internship programme
- A final report which includes the intern experiences and learning