Research and Data Analysis Intern - Summer, 2026

ST Public Branding • Seattle, WA

15h • $22 - $39

About The Position

This is a paid internship, range of $22/hr - $39/hr (depending on role and qualifications) for those currently pursuing undergraduate degrees and higher rates for those currently pursuing graduate level degrees. Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including: Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner. Employee Assistance Program. Paid Time Off: An accrual of up to 4 hours per pay period. Up to 2 floating holidays. Full-time interns will receive an ORCA card at no cost. This card can be used on buses, trains, water taxis in the Puget Sound region, along with the Monorail and Seattle Streetcar. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues. Tentative 2026 Internship Dates: Semester students: May 18th to July 24th Quarter students: June 15th to August 21st This posting will be used to fill multiple positions for Sound Transit's Transit Operations Department and Executive Department. These internships will be part of a partnership with the University of Washington, and are only open to current UW Sociology Students. We have a strong preference for students who have completed SOC 403 - Applied Community Research, or equivalent coursework, but welcome applications from students with applied research experience, preferably involving partnerships between academic researchers and community partners. DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW Sound Transit’s Transit Operations department oversees the rider experience through the Sound Transit system as well as external system operations and maintenance throughout the Puget Sound region – Link, Sounder, ST Express, and Tacoma Link. The Research and Data Analysis intern will have an opportunity to be a part of the Security & Fare Engagement team. Sound Transit’s Office of Strategic Initiatives in the Executive Department focuses on assessing and enhancing the agency’s reputation and influence within the political, technological, environmental, and economic context of our service district. The Research and Data Analysis intern will have an opportunity to be a part of the Research & Innovation Team.

Requirements

• Applicants must be a current college student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor's or graduate degree program in Sociology, Public Policy, or Geography, or relevant two-year certificate.
• Research design and implementation: Ability to design research studies and collect, organize, and analyze data from various sources. Experience creating, conducting, and analyzing surveys, observational studies, interviews, or focus groups, and familiarity with various research methods, including in the field.
• Statistical analysis: Proficiency in statistical analysis in R.
• Data visualization: Experience creating compelling data visualizations and dashboards in R or Power BI.
• Written communication: Ability to write reports and summaries of research findings.
• Analytical thinking: Ability to identify trends, draw conclusions, and suggest actionable recommendations.
• Understanding of public transit systems: Familiarity with transit operations and passenger experience.
• Teamwork: Ability to build strong working relationships, encourage teamwork, and integrate diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Proactive approach: Takes initiative to anticipate challenges, solve problems, and propose improvements, able to work and problem solve in a fieldwork setting.
• Project management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Equity and bias awareness: Demonstrates an understanding of equity principles, actively works to identify and mitigate biases, and fosters inclusive practices in research.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ongoing data collection efforts related to passenger experience and disruptive behaviors on Sound Transit services, including developing research instruments and tools and testing/piloting/executing them in the field.
• Compile, clean, and organize data for analysis from ongoing data collection efforts.
• Analyze data and conduct statistical analyses to identify patterns and trends impacting the passenger experience.
• Create visualizations and interactive dashboards for stakeholders based on data collected.
• Pilot research methodologies and assist in analyzing their viability and success.
• Implement and evaluate the use of CCTV footage for conducting systematic social observation studies.
• Conduct reviews of relevant academic literature to inform and contextualize research efforts.
• Write detailed reports summarizing findings from empirical research and literature reviews to inform decision-making.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off: An accrual of up to 4 hours per pay period.
• Up to 2 floating holidays.
• Full-time interns will receive an ORCA card at no cost. This card can be used on buses, trains, water taxis in the Puget Sound region, along with the Monorail and Seattle Streetcar.
• work-life balance
• opportunities for professional development
• recognition from your colleagues

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree