Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration Intern

Overview

APPOINTMENT TYPE

Temporary (Temp)

LOCATION

Oak Ridge, TN

SALARY RANGE

$18.23 - $24.37 per hour

PURPOSE:

The Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration Intern supports early-stage AI integration, automation, and workflow modernization initiatives within the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Development Directorate. Working onsite in Oak Ridge, TN (10-20 hours/week), the intern applies enterprise AI tools to prototype solutions, optimizes operational processes, and contributes to responsible AI deployment in a secure environment serving thousands of STEM participants nationwide. This assignment is anticipated to last up to one year with increased work hours expected during the summer months.

Responsibilities AI-Enabled Workflow Automation & Tool Deployment:

Supports and implements automation initiatives using Microsoft Copilot, Power Platform, and related enterprise tools to modernize internal workflows and reduce administrative burden. This could include assistance with research and evaluation of AI tools and assessing internal processes and workflow.

AI Implementation & Pilot Support:

Assists with internal implementation of AI tools, user testing, and early-stage AI pilot initiatives (e.g., AI-assisted matching, communications, onboarding, and participant lifecycle processes). Documents performance, limitations, and recommendations.

Prompt Engineering & AI Use Case Development:

Assists with designing, testing, and refining prompt libraries, templates, operational AI use cases, and other resources to improve consistency, quality, and reliability of outputs in secure, real-world applications.

Data Preparation & AI-Assisted Analytics Support:

Performs light data cleaning, structuring, and validation to support AI-assisted analytics, dashboard development, and automation workflows.

Small-Scale Automation & Technical Scripting:

Learns to develop and maintain simple scripts, Application Programming Interface (API) integrations, or lightweight tools to streamline internal processes and enhance system interoperability.

Workflow Optimization & Modernization Research:

Reviews and evaluates existing systems and processes, researches modernization opportunities, and recommends process improvements aligned with responsible AI governance practices and data security standards .

Team Collaboration & Organizational Support:

Participates in activities such as outreach, internal committees, and special initiatives including informal guidance. Learns to engage in cross-functional collaboration, internal innovation efforts, and program support activities as needed. Qualifications Junior/Senior undergraduate or graduate student in accredited college or university in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science or related field of study. Demonstrated hands-on experience applying AI tools beyond introductory coursework, such as developing prompt-based solutions, automating workflows, or performing light data preparation in academic, research, or project-based settings. Experience using tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Power Platform, or R programming language to build practical solutions is preferred. Experience working independently on technical projects and translating defined requirements into functional AI-enabled tools or prototypes. Basic experience with data preparation (e.g., Excel, SQL, CSV files) and introductory scripting or automation is desirable. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate operational needs into practical AI-enabled solutions. Must have strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a secure, data-sensitive environment while exercising sound judgment and responsible AI practices. •The candidate's starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate's qualifications to determine salary.

TOTAL REWARDS

ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU's business objectives. The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility: Legally required benefits Retirement plan access Travel Accident Insurance The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility: Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Flexible work schedules or compressed work weeks Occupational Health and Wellness Programs Employee Assistance Program