Business Services Intern chez Caltech / LIGO Laboratory

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Business Services Intern to join its team.  

This position is an in-person, year-round internship, located in Richland, WA. 

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. 

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu 

Job Summary

This internship provides business students with hands-on experience across multiple business functions within a research environment. The Business Services Intern will support the Business Services Office (BSO) team in areas including procurement, grants management, finance, administration, and operations. This role is designed to offer broad exposure to business functions within a professional setting, providing valuable experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The intern will report to the Business Manager and collaborate with various team members on tasks related to grants management, financial reporting, procurement, government property, and administration. 

The LIGO Business Office provides comprehensive back-office support across the LIGO Laboratory. The office serves multiple functions—from grants management and accounting to procurement, property and logistics management, and professional communications. This depth of business exposure makes LIGO an ideal environment for interns to gain a well-rounded understanding of how a business office operates and supports a complex research organization. 

Essential Job Duties

The Business Services Intern will: 

• Provide administrative support to BSO team members across various functions 
• Assist with data entry and maintenance of digital records.
• Support grants management activities and financial reporting processes.
• Assist with procurement tasks, shipping, and receiving operations.
• Generate reports and compile data for business office staff.
• Support government property tracking and administration.
• Perform general office duties as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives 

Through this internship, students will: 

• Gain exposure to grants and project management, procurement, financial operations, and administrative functions.
• Learn to use business platforms and software commonly used in professional settings.
• Develop practical skills in data management, report generation, and file organization.
• Understand how business services support a research organization.
• Experience the interconnection between different business functions 

Skills Development 

Professional Skills: 

• Time management and prioritization.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving in a professional context 

Technical Skills: 

• Microsoft Outlook and Office Suite proficiency.
• Business software and database platforms, including but not limited to DASH360, Oracle, SharePoint, MS Excel.
• Digital and physical records management.
• Report generation and data analysis.
• The Business Services Intern schedule is flexible and can be adapted to suit school schedules. Candidates should be able to work up to 20 hours per week in-person at the LIGO Hanford Observatory. Hours can be adjusted throughout the school year. 

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in business, finance, public administration, Supply Chain Management or similar field.
• Ability to physically work at the LIGO Hanford Observatory.
• Reliable transportation to travel to the Observatory location.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with professional and friendly demeanor.
• A high degree of organization and attention to detail.
• Eager to learn, receptive to instruction, with the capability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Takes ownership of assigned tasks and demonstrates a high degree of responsibility and a strong work ethic. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in business and report writing software such as Oracle, Dash360,  Canva.
• Working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Familiarity with other business tools or software is a plus.

Required Documents

• A cover letter summarizing your relevant experience in school or in workplaces and detailing your interest in working at LIGO Lab.
• Resume