Health Data Communication and Design Intern

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Coordinating Center group supports large, multi-site population health studies, including national research programs focused on child health and environmental exposures. We design and manage complex data systems, develop analytic tools, and support data sharing to enable high-quality, reproducible science. A key focus of our work is making research data more findable, accessible, and usable (FAIR) while maintaining strong protections for participant privacy and trust.

Scope of Work:

This internship will contribute to ongoing efforts to improve how complex research data are communicated, accessed, and experienced by diverse users, including researchers and study participants. The intern will work on two related projects:

1. Evaluating and improving Return of Research Results (RBRR) materials to ensure they are clear, ethical, and accessible to participants

2. Serving as a "naive user" to test and provide feedback on an AI-powered data discovery tool, with a focus on usability, clarity, and visual communication. This work sits at the intersection of data science, ethics, and design, with an emphasis on improving how complex information is translated for real-world use.

Responsibilities:

1. Review participant-facing research result materials and identify opportunities to improve clarity, accessibility, and visual communication
2. Develop mockups or design suggestions (e.g., figures, layouts, infographics) to improve communication of complex data
3. Serve as a test user for an AI-based data discovery platform and provide structured feedback on usability and interface design
4. Summarize findings and recommendations in brief reports or presentations for the research team

Learning Objective:

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

1. Have familiarity with how large, federally funded research enterprises are conducted and coordinated
2. Have an understanding of the ethical principles and practical challenges of returning research results to participants, including issues of clarity, trust, and accessibility
3. Understand how data systems, AI tools, and user interface design interact to support data discovery and reuse (FAIR data principles)
4. Apply design and communication skills to improve how complex scientific information is presented to non-expert audiences

Requirements:

-Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student (or recent graduate) in a relevant field (e.g., design, visual arts, communications, public health, or related field).

- Strong visual communication or design skills (e.g., experience with graphic design, layout, or data visualization)

- Interest in public health, research, or science communication - Strong written and verbal communication skills

- Ability to think critically from a user or audience perspective

- Proficiency with standard software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office; familiarity with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or similar is acceptable)

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.