Internship in Applied Animal Welfare Research (Spring or Summer 2025)

Summary :

Housed within the Department of Strategy & Research, the ASPCA’s Research Team conducts program evaluation and original research to guide organizational strategy and drive progress in the animal welfare field using high-quality science.

The Research Team seeks a dedicated, highly motivated, and passionate intern in Applied Animal Welfare Research to develop knowledge and skills in leveraging data to create impact for animals under direct supervision of staff in the department.

Interns will become familiar with the role of research and program evaluation in guiding organizational decision-making and driving action in the animal welfare field.

Topics of ASPCA research include equine welfare, farm animal welfare, increasing access to veterinary care, animal sheltering, animal behavior, community cats, animal cruelty, animal-related disaster preparedness and response, animals in public policy, and promoting community engagement in animal welfare.

This remote-based position is open to all candidates based within the United States.

The deadline to submit your application is Monday, August 26, at 9am ET.

Responsibilities :

Intern opportunities may include, but shall not be limited to :

Assisting with research planning, research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and writing manuscripts

Developing a research project of the intern's own choosing, subject to ASPCA approval

Learning and practicing project management skills

Developing field-facing and public-facing research communications plans

Participating in webinars, conferences, and other opportunities for sharing of research findings

Attending internal strategy and staff meetings, including research meetings with collaborating programmatic departments

Assisting with miscellaneous tasks and projects as needed

Details :

Duration : One semester in length, with a January or May start; potential to extend pending the Department of Strategy & Research’s availability.

When you complete your application, you will be asked to share if your availability is for spring, summer, or either.

Hours : 10-20 hours per week (negotiable)

Compensation : The pay rate for this seasonal intern role is $16.00 / hour (or higher if dictated by local minimum wage rates in your locality).

Interns may receive academic credit in addition to or instead of payment, according to academic program policies.

Location : Remote. A laptop will be provided.

Candidate’s Field : Open to candidates in any field, but direct supervision is available from experts in the following subjects :

Veterinary Medicine

Animal Behavior / Ethology

Psychology / Human Behavior

Social Work

Public Health

Geographic Information Systems

Marketing

Qualifications / Experience :

Students currently enrolled in an academic degree or certificate program (Graduate or advanced undergraduate (junior / senior year) level preferred).

Individuals not currently enrolled in an educational program may be considered.

Required :

Ability to think creatively and strategically about research questions and using data to advance animal welfare

Ability to work independently (self-starter)

High level of maturity and professionalism

Strong written and oral communication skills

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values :

Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

Believes in Team that we are stronger together

Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

A plus :

Coursework completed in research methods, statistics, data science, or similar topics

Experience using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, Excel, etc.) for data management and analysis as a part of your coursework;

experience using statistical software on a research project

Proficiency with Excel including functionality such as creating and formatting spreadsheets, sorting and filtering data, using simple formulas for basic calculations, and creating basic charts

Experience with research design and / or data collection as a part of your coursework; experience using research design and / or data collection on a research project or on an independent research project

Familiarity with animal welfare topics and issues through academic studies, volunteering, and / or working in the animal welfare field

Animal welfare interests that align with current ASPCA research topics

Qualifications :

See above for qualifications details.

Language : English (Required)

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience :

High School Diploma (Required)

Our EEO Policy :

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.

A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.

Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M / F / D / V).