AI Intern

The AI Intern supports research teams, program staff, and academic initiatives by applying artificial intelligence tools to enhance analysis, streamline operations, and expand organizational capacity. This role is ideal for someone passionate about knowledge creation, social impact, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Research & Analysis

• Gather information using AI tools to support decision‑making and project planning.
• Summarize complex topics into clear, actionable insights.

Content Generation

• Draft emails, reports, presentations, and creative materials using AI assistance.
• Produce structured documents such as outlines, briefs, and knowledge bases.

Data Support

• Assist with organizing, cleaning, and interpreting datasets using AI‑powered workflows.
• Generate visualizations or summaries to support team discussions.

Automation & Productivity

• Identify repetitive tasks that can be automated with AI.
• Build simple workflows or prompts to improve team efficiency.

Collaboration

• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to understand their needs and propose AI‑driven solutions.
• Communicate findings clearly and professionally.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• Strong curiosity about AI tools and emerging technologies.
• Ability to learn new systems quickly and adapt to changing requirements.
• Clear written communication and attention to detail.
• Basic familiarity with productivity tools (e.g., Office apps, collaboration platforms).
• Analytical thinking and willingness to experiment.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $20.00 an hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including: