Research Intern – Autism & Disability Employment Landscape
Autism Speaks is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented Research Intern to support a summer project mapping the national landscape of nonprofit and for‑profit organizations focused on autism and disability employment.
This is a 10–12-week remote program and students must be eligible for academic credit. This is an opportunity for an individual to gain valuable hands‑on experience with applied research, strategic analysis, and nonprofit innovation.
This individual will work from home and can be located anywhere in the country.
Key Responsibilities
Identify nonprofit and for‑profit organizations nationwide focused on autism and disability employment
Collect and summarize publicly available information, including mission, geographic reach, service models, and employment partners
Document organizational scale where available (e.g., revenue, staff size, operational assets)
Capture information on populations served and employment models
Gather publicly reported outcomes and indicators of success
Organize findings into a structured, searchable database
Provide a summary of high‑level observations or trends
Use AI‑enabled research tools to support efficiency, applying critical thinking and validating outputs against primary or authoritative sources
Qualifications
Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student
Eligible to receive academic credit
Commitment to a schedule of 20 – 24 hours per week
Experience using AI‑enabled research tools
Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to take initiative
Strong research and analytical skills
Comfortable with spreadsheets, databases, and digital tools
Interest in disability employment or workforce innovation is preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Why This Internship
Exposure to national‑level strategy and field‑building work
Meaningful contribution to autism employment initiatives
Interaction with senior leaders
A tangible work product that may inform future partnerships and programs
You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all Autism Speaks Inc. data and information to which you have access.