Position Description:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development.

We are seeking intellectually curious individuals, interested in Mathematica’s mission and commitment to equity, to participate in the Human Services unit’s summer intern program. Summer interns will contribute to a variety of research, data collection, technical assistance, and operational activities that support evidence-based decision-making in areas such as education, early childhood, labor, family support, and nutrition.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist in designing and testing data collection instruments and protocols
• Contribute to reports and memos
• Support or participate in data collection activities, including survey administration, cognitive interviews, in-depth interviews, site visits, focus groups, classroom observations, or educational testing
• Support administration and oversight of research tasks, such as recruiting schools and social service programs to participate in evaluations, working with schools and programs to implement evaluations and collect data, preparing training materials, delivering training, and performing quality control activities
• Perform literature searches and reviews
• Support quantitative and/or qualitative analyses, including cleaning, coding, and organizing data and assisting with analysis
• Assist with organizing webinars and technical expert meetings and taking meeting notes
• Assist in developing recommendations for government agencies, foundations, and non-profits on how to use results from data analyses to shape their programs and organizational strategy, including developing tools and products to support improvements.
• Support the design of engaging presentations, translating complex or conceptual thoughts into more concrete and clear information.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets using Microsoft Project or Excel
• Learn about managing projects by developing and tracking schedules, finances, and logistics

Position Requirements:

Qualifications:
• Enrolled in an undergraduate program, master’s-level training program, or PhD program in public policy, sociology, psychology, economics, education, social work, or related discipline. If in an undergraduate program, must be entering junior or senior year of the program
• Exposure to social science research methods and design
• Interest in using technology to improve the quality, efficiency, and impact of our work
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with flexibility to handle multiple tasks and work on multiple projects
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and self-directed, with strong interpersonal skills
• Experience and interest in leading and presenting to small groups
• Desire and ability to work as part of a research team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and/or PowerPoint

Available Locations:  Washington, DC; Princeton, NJ; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA; Remote

Additionally, Mathematica offers full-time remote or office and hybrid options.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample. This internship will offer 25-40 hrs./week for a period of 10 weeks at an anticipated hourly rate of $16-$21/hour.

Additional Information:

One of Mathematica’s core values is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our research is more robust because it is informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by a greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve. Mathematica’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We offer Employee Resources Groups on a variety of topics, local diversity and inclusion activities in each office, and a Diversity council.

Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance in which Mathematica will provide guidance on this process.

In accordance with Executive Order 14042 and its implementing guidelines, all Mathematica employees must provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an accommodation through Human Resources by providing documentation from a licensed health care provider that they are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 because of a disability (which would include medical conditions) or provide an attestation that they are entitled to an accommodation because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.