Simulation & Optimization Analyst Intern
Job Overview
This position supports the transition of our simulation and optimization model—developed through the UC San Diego Capstone project—toward operational integration within GIA’s Global Lab Operations. The analyst will collaborate closely with our technical team to refine code, integrate new data sources, and ensure that outputs and dashboards are aligned for business use
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Collaborating with GIA technical advisors and subject matter experts to refine and validate the simulation engine and data pipeline
- Enhancing and optimizing code for efficiency, reliability, and scalability
- Integrating new data sources and ensuring seamless data flow for model accuracy
- Aligning simulation outputs and dashboard formats with operational requirements and stakeholder needs
- Conducting sanity checks, troubleshooting issues, and documenting technical processes throughout the project
Providing support for knowledge transfer and handover documentation at project completion
Skills & Abilities:
- Relevant experience in simulation modeling, data integration, and operational analytics (demonstrated through Capstone project and resume)
- Strong proficiency in Python and related data science tools
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a technical team
Effective communication skills for documenting and presenting technical results
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related STEM field
- Strong academic performance with coursework in areas such as:
o Machine Learning / AI
o Statistical Modeling
o Data Engineering (SQL, ETL)
o Optimization, Simulation, or Operations Research
- Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or analytical discipline preferred
- Hands-on experience (through academic projects, internships, or research) in one or more of the following areas:
o Machine learning and predictive modeling
o Statistical analysis and data exploration
o Optimization and simulation modeling
o Data visualization and dashboard development
o Work with large and complex datasets
o Build and validate analytical models
o Translate analytical outputs into business insights
- Prior internship or project experience applying analytics in real-world or client-facing settings is preferred
Experience working on end-to-end data science workflows (data preparation modeling evaluation communication)
Additional Requirements:
o Python (required)
o SQL (required)
o Familiarity with tools such as R, Tableau, or other visualization platforms is a plus
- Knowledge of common machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, tree-based models, classification)
- Exposure to advanced topics such as:
o NLP / LLMs
o Time-series or risk modeling
o Explainability methods (e.g., SHAP)
o Optimization or simulation approaches
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
- Comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
Interest in applying data science to operational, supply chain, or lab/network optimization problems
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request, to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, as required by law.
GIA provides employees with a safe work environment through the provision of internal safety policies and procedures, safety awareness and training, and appropriate safety equipment as recommended and/or prescribed by governing regulatory agencies. Employee is required to comply with all safety policies, procedures, directives, and/or warnings.
Pay Rate:
$22-24/hour for undergraduate students
$26-28/hour for graduate students
An Equal Opportunity Employer
All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.
