ASPCA Internship in Applied Animal Welfare Research

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. Click here to learn more about some of the research conducted at the ASPCA.

Internship Program

The Research Team seeks dedicated, highly motivated and passionate interns in Applied Animal Welfare Research to develop knowledge and skills in leveraging data to create impact for animals under the direct supervision of staff in the department. Interns will develop familiarity with the role of research and program evaluation in guiding organizational decision-making and driving action in the animal welfare field. The focus is on quantitative research, but some opportunities in qualitative or mixed-methods research may be available. 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.

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
Internship Structure

The start/end dates and duration of each internship position are flexible and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, internship sessions are one semester in length, as follows:

  • Fall Semester: Between August 15 and December 31
  • Spring Semester: Between January 2 and May 30
  • Summer: Between May 15 and August 30

Internships are at the will and sole discretion of the ASPCA, are 10–16 weeks and 10–20 hours per week (negotiable). Interns need to be available at least some hours during M-F workdays to attend meetings.

Eligibility

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

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. 

Pay

Internship pay is based on candidate location and is a minimum of $15/hour. Interns may receive academic credit in addition to or instead of payment, according to academic program policies.

Location

This is a fully remote position; interns will work from home. A company laptop will be provided.

Deadline

Applications will be considered on the following schedule:

  • Fall Semester: March 1 – until positions filled
  • Spring and Summer Semesters: August 1 – until positions filled (applicants must specify which internship session they are applying for)
Qualifications/Experience

Required:

  • Enrollment 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.
  • Familiarity with MS Office
  • 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
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

A plus:

  • Familiarity with statistical software and analysis
  • Familiarity with research design and data collection
  • Familiarity with animal welfare topics/issues
Language
  • English (Required)
Education
  • High School Diploma (Required)
Candidate 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
    • Epidemiology/Public Health
    • Economics
    • Geographic Information Systems
    • Marketing
Additional Information

All Interns will be required to sign the ASPCA Internship Agreement before the official start date of the session.

 
To Apply

Applications are accepted on the schedule outlined under Deadlines above.

Click here and search for “Internship in Applied Animal Welfare Research”. If we are currently accepting applications, a position will be available. If not, please check back.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

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