Details
1103340
University of Edinburgh
01/12/2025
12 Months
15 hours per week
Not Applicable
Pay
£13.01
£2.35
Description
Role
The University of Edinburgh is currently offering a part-time opportunity for a student to join the Website and Communications Team (WAC) as a Digital Developer Intern - Figma. Figma is a cloud-based tool that is essential in the digital sectors for user-interface design, interaction design, prototyping, and collaborative projects. The WAC team manage the university’s web estate and portal services, such as the university website and the MyEd Student and Staff Portal. The WAC team have recently secured a one-year Enterprise plan for Figma to enhance digital processes in the university.
There are two objectives for this internship, firstly to conduct research on the digital software needs of university staff, particularly concerning tools for user interface and interaction design that are similar to Figma. Secondly, to assist in expanding and refining the Figma digital component library, which includes university-branded assets that are used across various digital products and services. This is an exciting opportunity for you to gain experience researching software cases in a business environment, and to positively impact efficiency and innovation in the university’s digital infrastructure. This role is part of a project to create a shared library of digital resources, preventing repeated creation of digital assets. This will enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and reduce costs, in addition to integrating accessibility and sustainability into design processes.
You can expect to start work in the week commencing the 12th January 2026 and work until 18th December 2026, whilst working 15 hours per week in a hybrid working pattern split between working from home, and in office in Argyle House, Edinburgh, 3 Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh EH3 9DS. During this position you will be paid £13.01 per hour, plus £2.35 per hour holiday pay. Payment is one month in arrears, meaning your first payment date (should this position start when expected) will be 27th February 2026.
Duties and responsibilities
- Conduct research to understand the digital software needs of the University staff, particularly concerning user interface and interaction design tools;
- Analyse current usage of similar tools within the University to identify overlap and potential areas of consolidation;
- Provide comprehensive reports on the findings that will assist in decision-making regarding the continuation or replacement of Figma after the initial one-year enterprise plan;
- Assist in the ongoing expansion and refinement of the Figma digital component library, which includes university-branded assets used across various digital products and services;
- Evaluate and enhance the existing component design creation;
- Facilitate and assist in enabling the distribution and adoption of these components within the university.
Skills and experience
Essential criteria:
- A current Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught, or part-time Postgraduate Research student at the University of Edinburgh (this post is designated for UoE student employment; therefore, you must be a matriculated student for the duration of your employment). You also must not hold the position of ‘Resident Assistant’;
- Based in the UK for the duration of the work, able to work on campus when required (we cannot accommodate individuals working overseas due to tax and legal implications), and able to attend a Right to Work Check in person if you are a British or Irish Passport holder;
- Demonstrable excellent organisation and written and verbal communication skills;
- Evidence of a working knowledge of Figma;
- Proven ability to work well within a team and collaborate effectively;
- Demonstrable qualitative research and data analysis skills, including the ability to draw appropriate conclusions;
- Evidence of an interest in digital design or design systems.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience of digital component development in design systems, ideally within Figma, with a focus on usability and consistency;
- Evidence of a knowledge of digital development software and tools (in addition to Figma);
- Experience in managing stakeholder engagement and requirements gathering.
Location
Hybrid, split between working from home and in office in Argyle House, Edinburgh, 3 Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh EH3 9DS
Benefits
- Being part of a welcoming community of over 150 ISG Student Workers with opportunities to network, whilst working in a supportive and nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on work/life balance;
- Pay rate and holiday entitlement equivalent to that of UE03 permanent staff, access to NEST pension scheme if applicable;
- As a staff member, you can join the University's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Groups (Staff Networks);
- Access to a range of excellent staff training content and resources from the Digital Skills Team.
Additional information
To apply for this role, please upload a CV and covering letter, clearly stating how you meet the criteria for the role. Please ensure you've read the top bullet points in the criteria: you must be a University of Edinburgh Student, and you must not hold the position of 'Resident Assistant' (Res Life) during your employment. If you encounter any issues when applying, please e-mail unitemps@ed.ac.uk well in advance of the deadline, as we will only respond within office hours (9-5, Monday to Friday). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. We recommend reading our short application tips document for guidance on creating a strong cover letter and CV.
Interviews will take place on the week commencing the 17th November 2025.
The University of Edinburgh is committed to providing a positive employment experience for all students. To support students in combining work with studies, we strongly advise you do not exceed the University’s recommended number of working hours per week:
- 15 hours for undergraduate students (up to 35 hours during vacation).
- 15 hours for postgraduate taught students (all year round).
- 9 hours for postgraduate research students (all year round).
PLEASE NOTE: This advert may close early if sufficient applications are received prior to the closing date which is 23:59pm on Wednesday the 5th November 2025.
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