INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Simulation & Optimization Analyst Intern

CompanyGIA (Gemological Institute of America)
LocationCarlsbad
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 7, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The analyst will refine and validate a simulation engine and data pipeline to integrate a Capstone project model into operational use. Responsibilities include optimizing code, integrating new data sources, and aligning dashboards with stakeholder needs.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$22 - $28
Company Size
13
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page

About The Company
GIA - The world's foremost authority in gemmology providing education globally for the trade and public in business, design and gemmology. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a global nonprofit gemmological research and academic institute that focuses on the science, art and business of gemmology. Its mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by setting and maintaining global standards for evaluating gemstone quality. The organisation performs research on gems, shares that knowledge with its students, applies its discoveries in its laboratories and shares the information through public and trade communications outreach programs. Education is provided Online and in our fully equipped classrooms in central London, from one day to six months. GIA's London Campus is one of the network of campuses, laboratories and research centres that GIA operates internationally from its headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Further your professionalism and your career with GIA. Important information Nonprofit GIA does not sponsor or endorse. This LinkedIn page is intended for social networking and education to serve the members of the trade and public. GIA encourages our online community to share and engage in conversations, but requests individuals to use their best judgment by limiting or refraining from self-promotional or commercial information. Posts deemed offensive in language or tone will be removed.
About the Role

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

·         Demonstrated ability to:

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:

·         Proficiency in:

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.

Key Skills
Simulation ModelingData IntegrationOperational AnalyticsPythonSQLMachine LearningStatistical ModelingData EngineeringOptimizationOperations ResearchData VisualizationDashboard DevelopmentPredictive ModelingETLAnalytical Model ValidationTechnical Documentation
Categories
Data & AnalyticsEngineeringScience & ResearchTechnologyLogistics
Benefits
Competitive SalariesTraining Opportunities