Research Triangle Synthesis Initiative Graduate Scholar

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The successful incumbent will be part of the University Collaborations Office. This office facilitates bilateral and multilateral collaboration with the 16 constituent universities of the UNC System and Duke University, both to advance RTI's delivery of scientific solutions and to strengthen the collective impact of regional institutions. Additionally, the UCO provides central enabling support for linkages that RTI researchers have with hundreds of universities across the U.S. and around the world.

The University Collaboration Office is seeking a graduate scholar to provide dedicated support for a special initiative at the intersection of AI, education, labor, and workforce development during the Spring 2026 semester. This initiative relates to the office's mission to leverage university connections-particularly with the UNC System and Duke University-to advance RTI's impact, innovation, scientific stature, and financial strength through regional collaboration. The scholar will play an integral role in supporting the team's collaborative efforts and driving meaningful outcomes for this strategic project. The scholar will support a team comprised of researchers and professionals from several regional institutions.

Learning Objectives:

Understand principles and practices of multi-institutional collaboration

Develop project coordination skills related to research synthesis

Strengthen internal and external communication skills

Application Requirements:

To apply for the Research Synthesis Graduate Scholar position, please submit a current resume or CV. In addition, include a statement of up to 125 words outlining your academic interests as they relate to artificial intelligence (AI) and/or education, labor, and workforce development.

Responsibilities:

Provide support for meetings, convenings, events, and academic engagement programs.

Develop and synthesize content for program support, such as slide decks and background materials

Support various meetings and event logistics, including room set-up, conference call/Zoom arrangements, and development of meeting materials

Perform special projects, assignments, and tasks as needed, including in adjacent areas related to regional university collaboration

RTI emphasizes experiential and mentored learning experiences, providing students and recent degree recipients with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and skills in a meaningful and practical way. We are committed to developing the future workforce by encouraging interns to explore various career paths in a nonprofit research institute setting that values diversity and inclusion.

Additional Information:

This paid internship will take place from January 2026 through May 2026; there may be flexibility to start work in December 2025 if the selected candidate is interested and available. The internship requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. Hours will be flexible but consistent during Eastern business hours. The position will be hybrid format, with requirements for on-site days that the University Collaboration Office hosts 3 Synthesis team meetings.

Qualifications:

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently

Keen attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all assignments

Demonstrated excellent customer service attitude, showing professionalism and responsiveness in interactions with internal and external stakeholders

Minimum level of emerging research skills, including the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources

Required Qualifications:

Actively enrolled as a graduate or professional student (master's or doctoral)

Ability to be on site at the Research Triangle Park campus periodically

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to adjust priorities as office demands require

Proficiency with AI tools

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with content management systems

Proficiency with PowerPoint

Superior writing skills; ability to craft professional email messages

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.