Data Science Intern

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise.

Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking highly motivated, intellectually curious students for a data science internship within its Value Office. This role focuses on leveraging data science, advanced analytics, and AI (including LLMs such as ChatGPT) to drive measurable business value across the organization. The Value Office identifies and unlocks value through data-driven insights, improved decision-making, and optimization of business processes.

We are looking for individuals passionate about deep analytics, real-world problem solving, and translating data into tangible business outcomes. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where interns will work across functions and global datasets to support value creation initiatives. Interns will be mentored by senior data science leadership and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams. High‑performing candidates may be considered for extended opportunities based on demonstrated impact.

• Apply data science within the Value Office to identify, quantify, and deliver business value
• Leverage LLMs and AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to accelerate analysis and solution development
• Work with diverse global datasets (structured, unstructured, observational, and incomplete)
• Support initiatives aimed:
  • Improving process efficiency and operational reliability
  • Enhancing commercial and strategic decision‑making
  • Identifying cost, productivity, and margin improvement opportunities
• Translate complex or ambiguous business challenges into clear, data‑driven insights and actions
• Collaborate with stakeholders across operations, engineering, commercial, and corporate functions
• Communicate findings with a strong focus on business impact and value creation

• Analyze and integrate multi‑source, real‑world data to generate actionable insights
• Develop and test analytical models, forecasts, and decision‑support tools
• Utilize AI/LLM tools to enhance productivity and accelerate solution development
• Identify and quantify value creation opportunities across the business
• Validate solutions with stakeholders and refine based on feedback
• Support the development of scalable tools and approaches within the Value Office framework
• Communicate results clearly, linking analysis directly to business outcomes

• Strong passion for data science applied to business value creation
• Experience working with data in Python, R, or similar environments
• Understanding of machine learning techniques (regression, forecasting, pattern recognition)
• Interest in and practical use of LLMs / generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT)
• Ability to work with messy, incomplete, real‑world datasets
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with a focus on impact and execution
• Excellent communication skills; ability to translate technical insights into business language
• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently and across teams

• Coursework or experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related fields
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
• Exposure to cloud/data platforms (e.g., Azure)
• Experience applying analytics to real‑world business or operational challenges

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Must be local to Houston with reliable transportation to our downtown headquarters

• Delivered data‑driven insights or tools that create measurable business value
• Demonstrated the ability to translate data into actionable outcomes
• Worked effectively across business and technical teams
• Presented your work and impact to leadership and peers

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.