Careers and Internships

ICPSR offers opportunities for internships, research associates, and other positions leading to careers in data science. Consult the University of Michigan Careers Web site for information about specific job openings at ICPSR, as well as other job postings at the university.

Summer Undergraduate Internship Program

The ICPSR summer internship program provides undergraduate students with a unique and expansive research experience that introduces all aspects of social science research and includes supported exploration of a research query from start to finish, data management training, and focused methodological education in quantitative research. This prepares interns for capstone or senior thesis projects, graduate school, and/or research-based employment opportunities. The students, under the supervision of faculty mentors, develop a research question, perform a literature search and review, complete data analysis, and report findings in a poster; learn good data management processes and research practices with a research process mentor; and attend classes at the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods. Additionally, regularly planned luncheon meetings focus on research projects within ICPSR/ISR, ethics in research and data management, and life in graduate school or in a research career obtainable with a Bachelor's degree in the social sciences. In the last week of the internship, the students display their work in a poster session for all faculty and staff. They leave ICPSR with a poster and abstract suitable for submission into a local/regional social science professional organization meeting of their choosing.

• Flyer (PDF 450K)

More information about the internship.

Research Associates

ICPSR employs research associates and assistants in all its divisions. In collaboration with other ICPSR staff, Research Associates prepare data for permanent archiving and distribution for secondary analysis; perform statistical analysis to check data for accuracy; preserve survey respondent confidentiality; compose study descriptions describing data collections; create, edit, and review data documentation; interact with principal investigators and data producers, and provide support to the research community.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to the following address:

Human Resources
ICPSR/Institute for Social Research
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106-1248

Valuing Diversity

The work environment combines the advantages of a small nonprofit or business with the resources of an international research university. ICPSR is small enough that each person can make a difference, yet large enough to offer a variety of career opportunities. Employees work in a relaxed, collegial atmosphere that fosters communication and networking within and among departments. The organization is family-friendly, offering flexibility with work hours, and we have a diverse staff who enrich the workplace with their skills and experience.

University of Michigan Benefits

ICPSR employees receive the University of Michigan's Benefits Program, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, prescription drug coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, reimbursement accounts, legal services, vacation and paid sick time, tuition support, and a generous retirement plan wherein the University doubles the employee's contribution. These benefit options are described on the Benefits Office Web site.

A Learning Environment

• Employees at all levels have many opportunities to develop their skills by attending courses or receiving on-the-job training. Professional development includes conference attendance, organizational skills development, supervisory and managerial training, and courses in software and technology.
• Employees may attend ICPSR Summer Program classes without charge.
• ICPSR reimburses the full the cost of qualifying courses in degree programs.