PhD Data Science Internship 2027 (USA)

Pinterest • Palo Alto, CA

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

Pinterest is seeking Data Science interns to contribute to the evolution and future of its product. Interns will apply quantitative analysis, statistical techniques, modeling, and data mining to understand user behavior, inspire Pinners, connect them with content, understand advertisers, and measure value. The work will influence team roadmaps, identify product opportunities, refine experimentation platforms, and drive key initiatives. This role involves working cross-functionally with engineering and product partners. AI is a key partner at Pinterest, and candidates excited about this are encouraged to apply. The interview process emphasizes explaining one's approach and thinking process, not just knowledge. This internship is paid and lasts 12 weeks, with start dates in May or June 2027. Depending on the team, internships will be located remotely or hybrid in San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York, or Seattle offices. Applicants will be considered for multiple DS teams and should apply only once within the USA or Canada.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, applied sciences, computer science or related field.
• Ability to manipulate large data sets with high dimensionality and complexity.
• Fluency in SQL and a scripting language (Python or R).
• Experience solving analytical problems using quantitative approaches including in Machine Learning, Statistical Modeling, Forecasting, Econometrics or other related fields.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain learnings to both technical and non-technical partners.
• Strong critical thinking when working with AI-generated suggestions, with a clear approach to validating correctness, performance, security, and maintainability.
• Ability to connect data analysis to real business problems, in order to impact business performance.
• US based applicants only.

Responsibilities

• Influence and evolve the product roadmap using data and exploratory analysis to understand user behavior and trends, and identify opportunities for product innovation.
• Design and implement core metrics and evaluate A/B experiments.
• Explore alternative experimentation techniques to help internal teams evaluate ideas faster.
• Gather explicit signals about Pinner, Merchant, Creator, or Advertiser preferences and tastes using survey methodologies and statistical/modeling based approaches.
• Work cross-functionally to build and communicate key insights, and collaborate with product managers, engineers, designers, and researchers to build new experiences.

Benefits

• 12 weeks paid internship
• Fixed start dates in May or June to accommodate varying school calendars.
• Information regarding the culture at Pinterest and benefits available for this position can be found here.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree