2026 AI Initiatives PhD Internship
About The Position
StepStone is seeking highly analytical and technically skilled interns to join the AI Initiative team. This role is best suited for candidates with strong coding expertise, advanced quantitative skills, and an interest in applying AI/LLMs to financial markets. Interns will work on research-driven projects, model development, and large-scale data analysis. We are looking for team players with a collaborative mindset and a strong work ethic—candidates who take ownership of their work but remain open to feedback, eager to learn from others, and committed to collective success. A low-ego, problem-solving approach is essential for success in this role.
Requirements
- Pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics, Econometrics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
- Strong coding experience (Python, R, VBA), with demonstrated ability to work with large datasets.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented, hands-on approach to work.
- Team-oriented and adaptable—able to balance independent work with collaborative projects.
- Open to feedback and continuous improvement, with a strong intellectual curiosity.
- Willingness to contribute at all levels—whether tackling complex modeling or assisting with data prep, no task is too small.
Nice To Haves
- Experience or coursework in AI/ML (LLMs, NLP, data retrieval, vector embeddings) is highly preferred.
- Knowledge of SQL, Power BI, or cloud computing is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize financial models using Python, R, or VBA.
- Apply AI/ML techniques such as metadata extraction, vector length optimization, and retrieval optimization to enhance investment research.
- Analyze large financial datasets and apply statistical modeling techniques to identify market trends.
- Support quantitative research on investment performance, risk analysis, and portfolio construction.
- Document technical findings and communicate insights to internal teams.
Benefits
- At StepStone, we foster a supportive and inclusive team culture where collaboration and learning are the core of what we do.
- Our collegial atmosphere encourages teamwork, mentorship, and professional development.
- This summer internship is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and develop critical skills that will help you launch a successful career in private markets.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
