A BIT of Behavioral Science Internship Program

Are you looking for practical experience in the application of behavioral science and want to join a successful and growing organization dedicated to creating social impact? If so, apply for “A BIT of Behavioral Science”, a paid 8-week, full-time summer internship opportunity with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT). Application period closes May 1st, 2022.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to bring their unique talents to our team. At BIT, we believe that behavior change is central to social change, and we need people from all walks of life to help us achieve it. By fully leveraging our diverse experiences, backgrounds and insights, we inspire innovation, challenge the status quo, and create better and more equitable outcomes for our team, our clients, and the people at the center of our work. Inclusion and diversity are areas we’re committed to and always growing in — and we’d love to have you join us. Applicants who identify with groups that are traditionally underrepresented in Behavioral Science are strongly encouraged to apply.

Internship details

• Full-time, paid internship

• Compensation: $800/week

• 8-10 weeks between June and August 2022

• This internship is remote for candidates in the continental United States (CST and EST time zones). While our Brooklyn office is currently open, relocation is optional, and we cannot offer relocation assistance at this time. 

• Important note: If you are hired and choose to come to the BIT offices, we will require you to submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a legally recognized reason not to be vaccinated (in which case you will be required to wear a mask).

• Interns need to be legally authorized to work in the US.

What will you gain from this experience?

• Deeper understanding and practical experience with the application of behavioral science for social impact

• Professional development through guidance by and exposure to highly knowledgeable and experienced staff, learning sessions, and project tasks

• Greater knowledge of research design, implementation, and analysis

• Opportunities to hone communication, client management, and project management skills

• Access to learn from the collective knowledge of a global social purpose company at the forefront of behavioral science research and application

• A network of kind, supportive colleagues with diverse substantive expertise and interests!

What makes a great intern at BIT?

Internships are about learning! Above all, we are looking for candidates with curiosity, who have a basic understanding of what we do, share our values, and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We fully expect to provide training and development support in some of these areas, so you do not need to have all of these skills to be selected.

• Behavioral science: You understand and can explain and apply central concepts (e.g., defaults, loss aversion, and social norms).

• Evaluation: You have a basic understanding of causal research and/or mixed-methods program evaluation. You are interested in contributing to the design of mixed-methods evaluations (including, but not limited to, randomized controlled trials, surveys, interviews, focus groups, user testing, etc).

• Managing and developing yourself at work: You demonstrate high self-awareness and regularly self-reflect. You are aware of the impact that your actions and words have on those around you. You are resilient and accept responsibility for decisions whether they achieve the desired outcome or not.

• Work habits and project management: You can manage your own time to produce high quality work within a defined timeline.

• Curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, and commitment to social impact: You have wide interests and a willingness to take on a broad range of projects and project tasks. You have tolerance for ambiguity / change. You are dedicated to achieving social impact through your work. 

What will you do as an intern?

For all tasks, interns will receive close supervision, guidance, and support. Your daily tasks will depend on your skillset and project needs, but may include supporting the following:

• Developing interventions and trials 

  • applying concepts from behavioral science to the design of communications, processes, programs, and policies 

• Research and analysis 

  • helping the team conduct mixed-methods field and desk research (e.g. literature review or scan)

  • contributing to the synthesis of mixed-methods research findings

• Written and oral communication 

  • drafting and editing client-facing notes, reports, and PowerPoint/Google Slide decks

  • preparing workshop materials

• Client management support

  • drafting client emails, meeting agendas, and similar products

  • joining client meetings and calls 

• Work planning and project management

  • proactively keeping tabs on tasks and timelines and communicating about progress and challenges with project colleagues

Who are we and what can we offer you?

The Behavioral Insights Team is the world leader in applying behavioral science to public policy challenges in order to strengthen communities and improve lives. 

We design and rigorously test new ideas across a range of areas such as health, economic growth, and education, to establish what works and what doesn’t. We have helped Tuberculosis patients take their medicine; decreased overprescription of antibiotics by doctors; and helped organizations close their gender pay gap.

We are looking for a passionate and imaginative individual who understands behavioral science and shares our thirst for evidence-based solutions to join our dynamic and growing team.

BIT really is a great place to work:

• We have regular team lunches with inspirational guest speakers.

• We promote a supportive and inclusive company culture.

• Our staff possesses a variety of professional expertise to learn from.

• We’re a social bunch and have a variety of interest groups.

How to apply

We use a great platform called Applied to reduce bias in the recruitment process. You will answer a few work-based questions which will be anonymously marked by members of our team. Our selection is based on performance in these questions, rather than looking at your CV. 

Candidates with the top scoring answers will be invited to a structured interview where you get to meet some of the team. At the interview stage, you will be asked questions that reflect the role. It’s at this stage when we first see your CV. We always give all applicants feedback, no matter what stage your application reaches.

Start your BIT journey here and apply now! 

The Behavioral Insights Team is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, or because an employee or applicant is a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, other protected veteran, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Some of the personal data you provide to Applied when you apply for a role with The Behavioral Insights Team will be passed on to The Behavioral Insights Team for the purposes of (a) reviewing your application; (b) inviting you for interview; and/or (c) offering you a job and getting you set up as an employee/contractor. For full details on how BIT collects and uses your personal data please visit our website - https://www.bi.team/bit-global-recruitment-privacy-notice/