Business Services Intern

Caltech; Hanford (WA); On-site; USD 24,435 - 34,801; Part time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a Business Services Intern to join its LIGO Laboratory team in Richland, WA. This in-person internship offers students valuable hands-on experience across various business functions including grants management, finance, and procurement within a research environment.

The ideal candidate will gain insights into how a business office operates, working closely with team members on administrative tasks and financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program in business or similar field.
• Ability to work at LIGO Hanford Observatory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to BSO team.
• Assist with data entry and records maintenance.
• Support grants management and financial reporting.
• Assist with procurement tasks.
• Generate reports and compile data.

Skills

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Currently enrolled in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

DASH360

Oracle

SharePoint

MS Excel

Job description

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 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.

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. The 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, serving 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

• 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

• 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.

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 DASH360, Oracle, SharePoint, MS Excel.
• Digital and physical records management.
• Report generation and data analysis.
• Flexibility in schedule; 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 a 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.

Hiring Range

$21.50 per hour. The salary for the selected candidate(s) will be set based on a variety of factors, including internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at the appropriate contact information. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting.