Data Analysis and Statistics Summer Internships with NSF
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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.
The NCSES Research Ambassadors Program Summer Internship is for participants in a wide variety of fields including, but not limited to: Business Management, Communications and Graphic Design, Computer Sciences, Economics, Marketing, Mathematics and Statistics, and Survey Methodology. Please see eligibility requirements below for a more descriptive list of associated focuses within these respective fields.
What will I be doing?
As a Research Ambassador intern, 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. You will learn and collaborate on projects that make use of expertise from a variety of fields, including survey methodology, survey statistics, economics and other social science disciplines to design, study, implement and conduct national surveys to measure the science and engineering enterprise. You will also be engaged in research projects, evaluation initiatives, surveys, data collection and specialized analyses.
Internship activities will vary based on the assigned research project. Activities may include interpreting data and analyzing results using appropriate methods, techniques, and visualizations; practice identifying, analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing trends and patterns in complex data sets; gaining knowledge of state-of-the-art statistical, analytical, and visualization methods and techniques through reading, meetings with federal and non-federal researchers and analysts, and participation in professional meetings.
Both independently, and as part of a team effort, you may also have the opportunity to conduct analysis of key trends and patterns, and to visualize and present the findings in novel and informative ways while collaborating with some of the world’s leading experts on the science and engineering enterprise and in fields such as statistics, survey methodology, and economics.
For more information on ORISE opportunities with NCSES, visit https://orise.orau.gov/ncses/.
What is the anticipated start date?
Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. Appointments are typically between May and September.
Where will I be located?
Alexandria, VA (Washington D.C. area)
In response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, NSF NCSES may modify their operation schedule and access to facilities to ensure the health and safety of their entire workforce while maintaining operational effectiveness. Hence, the appointment date and location are subject to change contingent on NSF NCSES guidelines and may result in a virtual placement.
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.
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.
Background
The National Science Foundation (NSF), National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) provides policy makers and the public with high-quality information on the science and engineering enterprise—a role NCSES has held for more than half a century. NCSES collects and provides data on the following:
- Research and Development (R&D)
- The science and engineering workforce
- U.S. competitiveness in science, engineering, technology, and R&D
- The condition and progress of STEM education in the United States
With the continued rise and expansion of the knowledge and innovation economy, NCSES's work in designing and carrying out national data collection efforts and developing indicators and analysis on relevant topics in these areas has increased in importance.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently pursuing or have received an Associate's degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master's degree, or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university.
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
U.S. citizenship is not required for participation in the program. However, depending on the research project, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence may be required.
Applicants with one or more of the following preferred skills are encouraged to apply:
- Strong analytical skills, such as training in research/survey methodology and statistics, as well as statistical programming experience (e.g., SAS, STATA, R, SPSS, Minitab)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Strong writing skills, such as experience providing presentations, publications, or other professional writing experience.
- Strong visual skills, such as experience with visualizations, interactive charts/graphics, and graphic packages (e.g., Tableau, Domo, QlikView)
- Experience or interest in analyzing microdata, as well as in translating/packaging complex statistical data into products and publications for specialized and general audiences.
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Other desired skills include SharePt programming, mapping, project management, editing, and formal writing training
A complete application consists of:
- Complete Zintellect profile
- Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity.
- Current Resume/CV
- Academic Records: The applicant must submit records for the most recent degree or degree in progress. Unofficial transcripts or copies of academic records provided by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted.
- One (1) Recommendation: Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the 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. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted. Recommendation must be submitted before an offer is made.
All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered.
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 NSF-NCSES@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.
- Degree: High School Diploma/GED, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
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