Employment type: Research Intern - Data Science
Tenure: 3-6 months
Location: Gurugram/Mumbai/Bangalore
Business Unit: Foundations Advisory
About Sattva
Since 2009, Sattva has been working with foundations, philanthropists, companies, non-profits, multi-laterals and impact ecosystems across India, Africa, and Asia, on a collective mission to develop scalable impact solutions for a sustainable world. Sattva is driven by impact and powered by knowledge, always striving to bring the right balance of head-heart-hands to its work. We at Sattva believe that age-old problems need new-age thinking and rigorous implementation, with empathy at the core. And, that’s what we deliver through our end-to-end support capabilities covering research, strategy consulting, programme management, impact assessment and more, to maximize social return on every investment.
About the Team
Foundations team collaborates with a network of global foundations, alongside multilateral aid agencies, aiming to inform, influence, and profoundly impact social and environmental outcomes resulting from their investments in diverse sectors such as education, child development, gender, health, and more. Our primary focus is on catalyzing ecosystem transformation by rigorously solving problems, formulating strategic solutions which are logically sound, effective on the ground and ensuring all stakeholders are effectively engaged while their interests are covered.
The Opportunity
As a Research Intern, you will contribute to a project that analyses large-scale and spatial datasets to inform government stakeholders. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of data science, policy research, and exposure to geospatial analytics, applying analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to generate insights that strengthen evidence-based decision-making and create lasting impact within the social development ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
Data Management & Cleaning: Assist in cleaning, organising, and managing large datasets (survey, administrative, or satellite data) with a strong emphasis on accuracy and consistency.
Data Analysis & Support: Perform quantitative data analysis, including supporting basic data manipulation and spatial data mapping tasks, using relevant Python libraries (e.g., numpy, pandas, matplotlib, seaborn).
Programming & Data Processing: Write and maintain well-documented, reproducible code in Python, R, or SQL for tasks such as data transformation, analysis, and automation of workflows.
Collaborative Research Support: Work closely with senior researchers and fellow interns to contribute to policy-relevant research projects, including background research and data analysis.
Key qualifications and experiences
Students or researchers currently pursuing or holding a Master’s, M.Phil., or Ph.D. in disciplines: Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Geography, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or Related Quantitative Fields
Proficiency in Python / R / SQL along with any data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Plotly, etc.) is a plus.
Familiarity with Git and GitHub for version control and collaborative coding workflows
Familiarity with, or a strong willingness to learn geospatial concepts and tools using libraries like geopandas, or shapely is preferred
Any previous exposure to spatial econometrics/ machine learning will be advantageous
Previous internship experience in working with large datasets(surveys, admin data, or satellite/remote sensing) is preferred
Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively for diverse audiences
Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Display strong interpersonal skills, humility, willingness to listen and excitement to learn at all times
Self-driven, curious and adaptable personality with the ability to produce accountable work
We cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment for all our employees and reinforce diversity in our workplace. All applications regardless of race, religion, caste, color, place of origin, gender, sexuality, disability and age will be welcome and will be fairly evaluated as per the requirements of the role.