2026 Summer - Data Science Intern at Root Insurance

Wayne State University; United States; Remote; USD 61,992; Part time

Job summary

A disruptive insurance company is offering a 12-week Data Scientist Internship to work on meaningful business challenges in areas like Claims and Marketing. Ideal candidates are pursuing a Master's or PhD and have strong quantitative and programming skills, with proficiency in R or Python. Interns will gain hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced Data Scientists while communicating insights from their analyses. This internship is fully remote, supporting productivity in any location across the US.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD with anticipated graduation between late 2026 and late 2027.
• Demonstrable knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and probability theory.
• Strong communicator with data visualization skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to solve problems in the insurance industry.
• Collaborate with experienced Data Scientists on real-world solutions.
• Communicate insights from complex analyses effectively.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in R

Data visualization skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field

Job description

We believe that a disruptive insurance company must have a principled quantitative framework at its foundation. At Root, we are committed to the rigorous development and effective deployment of modern statistical machine learning methods to problems in the insurance industry.

Root’s 12-week Data Scientist Internship offers the chance to work on meaningful business challenges in areas like Claims, Lifetime Value Estimation, and Marketing. Interns will collaborate closely with experienced Data Scientists and cross‑functional teams, applying advanced quantitative techniques to deliver real‑world solutions. We’re looking for candidates with strong quantitative skills, programming abilities, and a passion for problem solving.

Root is a “work where it works best” company. This means we will support you working in whatever location that works best for you across the US.

Salary Range: $45/hour

Internship dates: June 2026 – August 2026

Please Note: We are unable to do OPT and CPT work authorizations

How You Will Make an Impact

• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to solve quantitative problems in the insurance industry
• Expand your skills with hands‑on training and mentorship from seasoned data scientists
• Improve upon quantitative solutions in Claims, Lifetime Value Estimation, or Marketing
• Communicate insights from complex analyses to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Present your findings to leaders and stakeholders, showcasing the value of your work
• Demonstrate proficiency in data science fundamentals by the end of the program, with the potential to transition into a full‑time Data Scientist role

What You Will Need to Succeed

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field, ideally with an anticipated graduation date between late 2026 and late 2027, preferred
• Demonstrable knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and probability theory
• Proficiency in programming with R or Python, including experience in model fitting
• Strong communicator and storyteller with strong data visualization skills
• End‑to‑end ownership mentality with a high level of attention to detail

The interview process includes an initial 30 minute phone interview with a recruiter, followed by a 2.5 hour interview with the interview team for candidates who advance to the final interview stage.