Social Scientist Intern, Master's and PhD Students

We are seeking Master’s and PhD-level students majoring in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health or a related field for a 12-Week Student Intern role in Gaithersburg, MD for a May 18th - August 7th contract period.

Position Duties:

• Application of artificial intelligence in patient-centered science:

  • Develop at least two AI-powered tools (e.g. agentic chatbots, templated prompts, research tools) that can fit into the PCS team workflow.

  • Train AZ colleagues in using these tools, and iteratively improve these tools based on user feedback.

• Application of methodologies from degree program:

  • Qualitative track:

    • Synthesize qualitative patient experience evidence.

    • Review completed and ongoing in-trial interview studies; summarize key themes (symptoms, functioning, treatment burden, meaningful change); and articulate how findings informed clinical decisions and business value.

  • Quantitative track:

    • Translate psychometric methods for cross-functional teams.

    • Review psychometric analysis plans; explain in plain language the purpose and interpretation of reliability, validity, responsiveness, and invariance; and produce practical guidance for non-specialist functions on endpoint implications.

• Internal communication of PCS team value:

  • Create training materials in slide deck format to help PCS explain our work to cross-functional stakeholders.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s and PhD-level students majoring in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health or a related field. **Candidates must have an expected graduation date after August 2026.

• Foundations in social science research: Coursework or experience with research methods from psychology, sociology, anthropology, or public health; familiarity using surveys or interviews to understand people’s experiences.

• Familiarity with using AI tools for summarization or drafting, awareness of potential limitations (accuracy, bias), and openness to learning responsible use in a corporate context.

• Basic data literacy: Comfort interpreting simple descriptive statistics or figures.

• Intro to qualitative or quantitative approaches: Some hands-on exposure to either interviewing and thematic coding (qualitative) or basic questionnaire/data analysis (quantitative); depth in one track is sufficient.

• Curiosity about patient experience and PROs: Interest in how symptoms and daily functioning are measured and used in clinical studies; willingness to learn PRO/COA concepts on-the-job.

• Clear communication and slide design: Ability to turn complex topics into clear, well-structured slides or one-pagers for non-expert audiences; teaching experience could be beneficial.

• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Comfort scheduling and running meetings, taking structured notes, and incorporating feedback from multiple perspectives.

• Tools and software: PowerPoint, Word, Excel, AI chatbots (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Deepseek Chat). Experience with platforms like Microsoft CoPilot Studio and NotebookLM would be a plus.

• US Work Authorization is required at time of application.

• This role will not be providing OPT support.

• Ability to report onsite to Gaithersburg, MD 3 days a week. This role will not provide relocation assistance.

• Compensation range: $35 - $48 hourly

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.