Summer Data Science Intern – Applications in Biodiversity, Food Systems, Infrastructure, & Environmental Crimes
About the Role
Earth Genome is looking for a curious, motivated data science PhD or masters intern to spend the summer applying Earth Index - our AI-powered platform for environmental mapping - to real-world problems in biodiversity, food systems, infrastructure development, and environmental crimes. You'll work alongside a small, mission-driven team of engineers and researchers to build datasets, test detection methods, and translate satellite-derived insights into information that environmental defenders and policymakers can act on.
This is hands-on work. You'll use foundation models and remote sensing data to find things like illegal mining sites, unregulated agricultural facilities, and threats to critical habitats, and then help us understand what the results mean for policy and enforcement. You'll report to Earth Genome's Science and AI Lead and collaborate closely with data scientists, engineers, and external partners.
Responsibilities
- Use Earth Index to develop and evaluate search strategies for detecting environmental targets across biodiversity, food, and environmental crime domains
- Build seed point datasets using a combination of satellite imagery, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, and publicly available data sources
- Assess Earth Index results through manual verification, documenting what makes particular targets viable or challenging to detect
- Compile findings into clear, structured reports that communicate results to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Explore the policy dimensions of your work — for example, where detection data could strengthen enforcement, fill regulatory gaps, or support conservation priorities
- Contribute clean, well-documented code to Earth Genome's shared repositories
- Stay current with relevant literature in remote sensing, geospatial ML, and the application domains you're working in
What We're Looking For
- Currently pursuing (or recently completed) a graduate-level degree in data science, computer science, environmental science, geography, or a related field
- Familiarity with Python and comfort working with geospatial data (experience with Google Earth Engine, satellite imagery, and GIS tools)
- Exposure to machine learning concepts
- Strong research and writing skills; you'll be producing reports and documentation, not just code
- Genuine interest in environmental issues such as deforestation, illegal mining, biodiversity loss, food system transparency, or climate policy
- Self-directed and comfortable with ambiguity
- Collaborative mindset and clear communication skills for working with a distributed team
Why Work With Us
- Do work that matters: your analysis could directly support environmental enforcement, conservation planning, and supply chain transparency efforts
- Get hands-on experience with cutting-edge foundation models and remote sensing technology in a real production context
- Join a small team where your contributions are visible and valued — not a program where interns are an afterthought
- Work in a culture that values experimentation, equity, and open knowledge-sharing
- Build connections across a network of partners including international NGOs, investigative journalists, and climate data coalitions
Job Details
- Term: Mid-May through early August, 2026 (negotiable)
- Location: Remote
- Stipend: $4000 one time payment
- Travel: None required. Travel costs will be covered for Earth Genome offsites and any relevant workshops