The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) — part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) — is the world’s premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise. NCSES is one of only thirteen principal statistical agencies in the U.S. federal government.

This full-time internship is for postgraduates and graduate students studying Survey Methodology or other related fields that support survey methodology. Internships will be with the Statistics and Methods Program (SMP) in NCSES. As an intern with NCSES SMP, you will have the opportunity to explore a federal career and gain a competitive edge as you apply your education, talent and skills in a variety of settings.

What will I be doing?

You will be involved in a variety of interesting and original activities. The primary project for collaboration will be alongside expert, questionnaire design methodologists to develop documentation on best practices and quality checklists, conduct literature and background reviews on substantive and methodological topics, assess the quality of existing data collection instruments, assist with questionnaire development, participate in questionnaire pretesting activities, and develop a contact protocol strategy for new and redesigned data collections.

Additional opportunities may include interpreting data and analyzing results using appropriate methods, techniques, and visualizations; meetings with federal and non-federal researchers and analysts; and investigating the quality of alternative data sources.

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. Internships are expected to be full-time for 12-14 weeks starting in late May 2020 and ending in August 2020.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a competitive stipend for living and other expenses as determined by NSF. Stipends are typically based on academic standing, discipline, and experience. You may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses.

About NCSES SMP

The Statistics and Methods Program (SMP) provides statistical and survey methodological support to NCSES with an emphasis on ensuring the highest quality data collection designs and statistical output. The SMP survey methodologists conduct questionnaire design and testing as well as guide methodological decisions about data collection protocols and alternative data sources. The mathematical statisticians on the team are instrumental in sampling and weighting decisions as well as analysis plans and data protection. SMP maintains contacts with the broader federal and general statistical communities to further methodological work and improve data quality.

To learn more about NCSES, visit https://ncses.nsf.gov/. Learn more about careers with the National Science Foundation at https://www.nsf.gov/careers/.

Nature of the Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, NSF, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Applicants must be:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master's or Doctoral degree in survey methodology or similar field that supports survey methodology.
• Be over the age of 18 to apply.

Desirable qualifications include: 

• Experience with qualitative methods
• Experience with questionnaire development and testing
• Completion of questionnaire design focused coursework
• Basic statistical and data analysis programming skills
• Ability to work in a cooperative, collaborative environment
• Independent and highly motivated.

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume/CV
• Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records submitted by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
• Recommendation - You are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit your application. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from a professional who can speak to your abilities and potential for success as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted.

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to SciEdPrograms@orau.org. Please list the reference code [NSF-NCSES-2020-Internship-0002] of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (5 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age