Research Intern

The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17‑acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 800 of its 3,400 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well‑being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

The Research Intern supports the Research group by assisting with gemological and scientific research activities related to natural, treated, and synthetic‑colored stones. This internship provides hands‑on exposure to laboratory research, data collection, and analytical techniques used in gemological research under the direction of Research Scientists and Research Associates. Research interns will conduct original gemological research in coordination with the research team.

This role will be considered for either the New York, NY location or the Carlsbad, CA location, reporting onsite.

• Independently conduct a research project involving colored stones, diamonds, or pearls, in coordination with the intern’s supervisor and members of the research team.
• Assist other researchers or gemologists with research projects as needed.
• Help prepare samples for gemological, spectroscopic, and/or chemical analysis.
• Participate in data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis of research results.
• Support literature research using institutional library resources, archives, and scientific publications.
• Assist with cataloging samples, labeling slides, key wording articles, and maintaining research records or databases.
• Observe and assist in the operation of analytical instruments under supervision.
• Help document research procedures and support the preparation of internal reports or presentations.
• Participate in team discussions to review observations and research findings.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Language skills: ability to read, comprehend, and follow standard procedures or instructions in the local language (proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in English required).
• Communication skills: ability to communicate complex information in a simplified and clear manner. Understands and uses communication/email etiquette.
• Interpersonal skills: ability to create positive interactions with colleagues and team; actively communicates with others in a timely and professional manner; maintains a collaborative working relationship with others to improve performance.
• Problem solving: identifies potential problems, articulates/classifies issues, and determines next steps; applies sound analytical and reasoning skills during the problem‑solving process; analyzes the data gathered and presents a summary for a management decision when needed.
• Time management/organizational skills: manages time and priorities appropriately; approaches work in an organized and systematic manner.
• Flexibility: able to adapt to change; able to multitask while maintaining attention to detail.
• Personal accountability: continually improves performance; takes personal accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes.
• Conflict resolution: able to settle differences in productive ways while minimizing disruptions; fosters sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity.
• Computer skills: basic knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Actively enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program; related field of study preferred.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to use their hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

$24/hr.

New York, NY or Carlsbad, CA – reporting onsite.

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

This job description indicates in general terms the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at‑will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.