Science Strategy & Data Intern

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Headquarters, KY

1d • $18 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and administrative professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science. HHMI’s Headquarters is located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in the greater Washington DC metro area that is home to over 300 employees with strong cross-departmental collaboration between biomedical, legal, human resources, communications, information technology, investments, science education, and more. The HHMI Science Department supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation, and you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference. Summary: HHMI’s Science Department is seeking a motivated intern to help design and build a strategic reviewer pool for HHMI’s science competitions. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical work that strengthens how HHMI evaluates and supports scientific talent. The intern will help develop a systematic, data-informed approach to identifying, recruiting, and managing an inclusive, high-quality pool of scientific reviewers, which will advance Science’s strategic priorities and lay the groundwork for long-term institutional impact. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) hybrid position that will report to our Headquarters office in Chevy Chase, MD three days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) and work remotely two days per week (Mondays and Fridays). Please note: If selected for an opportunity, interns are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the internship (12 weeks in the summer from mid-late May to early-mid August). What we provide: Hands-on experience managing a high-impact, real-world project that supports HHMI’s flagship science competitions. Direct, robust mentorship from the Senior Director, Science Strategy and Administration as well as other team members within the Science Department. Exposure to scientific review processes, research evaluation, and science strategy. Opportunities to apply data science and AI tools in a mission-driven context. Opportunities to develop, apply, and hone your skills in the areas of database development and management, data analysis, AI tools, and project management. Professional development opportunities and being part of an engaging intern cohort. This position will be compensated at a rate of $18.00-$20.00/hour for an undergraduate student or $21.00-$24.00/hour for a graduate student.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program majoring in computer science, data science, statistics/biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, information systems, life sciences, or another closely related discipline is required. Graduate students will also be considered and are welcome to apply.
• Experience with data analysis, database development, and/or AI/ML tools.
• Experience with Python or R through coursework or projects.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including statistical analysis.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to scientific leadership.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage a multi-part project.
• Curiosity, initiative, and interest in advancing equity and rigor in scientific evaluation.
• Enthusiasm and interest in science with an eagerness to learn, grow, and be mentored.

Nice To Haves

• Scientific literacy and familiarity with academic research, publishing, and/or peer review processes is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Use AI and data-driven methods to identify potential reviewers based on scientific expertise based on published and pre-printed articles as well as professional standing based on grant funding, editorial board memberships, and other professional service activities and honors
• Develop metrics and approaches to ensure breadth across discipline, institution, career stage, and demographic representation
• Build a searchable reviewer database including expertise areas, contact information, prior review experience, and conflict-of-interest tracking
• Analyze data from recent HHMI competition review cycles to assess scoring patterns, normalization practices, and consistency
• Compare and evaluate two potential implementation models
• Deliver a final report and implementation roadmap, including standard operating procedures and recommendations for sustainability

Benefits

• Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees