Business Services Intern

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a Business Services Intern for an in-person role in Richland, WA. This internship offers business students hands-on experience across functions like procurement, finance, and operations within a research environment.

The intern will support the Business Services Office with grant management, reporting, and general administration, learning valuable skills in data management and teamwork. Candidates should be studying business or related fields.

Compensation is $21.50 per hour, and Caltech offers competitive benefits to employees.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in business, finance, or similar field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A high degree of organization and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to BSO team members.
• Assist with data entry and digital records maintenance.
• Support grants management and financial reporting processes.

Skills

Time management

Written communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Currently enrolled in business or related program

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Oracle

DASH360

SharePoint

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 skilledBusiness Services Internto 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.

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.

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

• 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.

Hiring Range

$21.50 per hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

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.

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 [e-mail].

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 at [e-mail].