Research and Data Analysis Intern - Summer

Position: Research and Data Analysis Intern - Summer, 2026
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 2026 Internship Dates:

* Semester students:
May 18th to July 24th

* Quarter students:
June 15th to August 21st

This posting will be used to fill multiple positions for Sound Transit's Transit Operations Department and Executive 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 Transit Operations 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 Security & Fare Engagement team.

Sound Transit's Office of Strategic Initiatives in the Executive 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 Research & Innovation 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 research instruments and tools and testing/piloting/executing them in the field.

* 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 Security & Fare Engagement 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 improvements across its services. Key areas of focus within this project include analyzing the scope, scale, and impacts of…