Research and Data Analysis Intern - Summer 2025

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 2025 Internship Dates:

Semester students: May 19th to July 25th    
Quarter students:  June 16th to August 22nd

This posting is a will be used to fill multiple positions for Sound Transit's Service Delivery Department and Strategy 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 Service Delivery 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 Passenger Experience Team. 

Sound Transit’s Strategy 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 Innovation and Transformation Team. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist with ongoing data collection efforts related to passenger experience and disruptive behaviors on Sound Transit services, including developing and piloting research instruments and tools.
• 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.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS:

Depending on qualifications and team needs, the intern may work with the Sound Transit Research and Passenger Success teams on an ongoing research project with the University of Washington to understand factors influencing the passenger experience and to identify key drivers that can guide policy improvements across its services. Key areas of focus within this project include analyzing the scope, scale, and impacts of disruptive behaviors on transit vehicles, stations, and facilities. These behaviors can negatively affect service quality, passenger satisfaction and safety, ridership levels, accessibility, worker safety, and Sound Transit’s financial health, including through higher maintenance and cleaning costs. The intern will contribute to ongoing data collection efforts and compile and analyze internal data sources and conduct additional research to deliver actionable insights that support Sound Transit’s commitment to equitably and proactively enhancing the passenger experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be current college students in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree program in sociology, public policy, or geography.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Research design and implementation: Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data from various sources. Experience creating, conducting, and analyzing surveys, interviews, or focus groups, and familiarity with various research methods.
• 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 the 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 to drive success.
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong social science background and the ability to think critically and systematically.
• Demonstrated experience and training in research methods, evidenced by relevant coursework or involvement in academic research projects.
• Proven ability to develop data-driven insights and effectively communicate them through written reports and visualizations tailored to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis using R, supported by practical application in projects or professional work.
• Experience designing and creating compelling data visualizations and dashboards using tools such as R or Power BI.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and may include fieldwork on Sound Transit services and facilities.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery when visiting job sites during construction and when working in the field.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.