Research Scholar - Statistics

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

401(k)

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Parental leave

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking PhD students in statistics or related fields for its Analytics and Innovation (Ai) internship in Chicago. You will contribute to cross-functional projects, leverage big data, and apply advanced analytics to drive enterprise impact.

The program offers exposure to real business problems, opportunities to attend industry events, and potential for full-time roles upon completion. Applicants should have strong communication, programming skills (Python/C/C++/Java), and

Qualifications

• Must be a current PhD student in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering or a related field with at least one semester left after the summer ends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Knowledge of modeling toolkits such as SAS, R, Python, OPL, CPLEX, VBA, or similar
• Ability to work in Unix/Linux platforms with languages including C/C++, Java, Python, or similar
• Creativity and innovative thinking in developing solutions to complex business problems
• Ability to document and present technical information from the business problem definition to the implementation stage in a way that effectively addresses varying levels of management and different audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on teamwork
• Successful completion of the interview is required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Responsibilities

• Interns are fully immersed in our culture and given meaningful project work.
• Interns leverage their skills to support value-added projects across many of United's departments.
• You will collaborate with the Analytics and Innovation team to solve real problems using data and advanced analytics.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Python

C/C++

Java

Unix/Linux

Education

PhD student in Statistics or related field

Tools

SAS

R

OPL

CPLEX

VBA

Job description

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what's next. Let's define tomorrow, together.

Description

At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you're a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands-on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You'll also have a chance to build community through our employee-run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

The Analytics and Innovation (Ai) team at United Airlines works to innovate, transform, and solve complexbusiness problems resulting in significant and measurable enterprise impact through the application ofdeep cross-functional business expertise and advanced analytics. We work with business and technologypartners across the enterprise (e.g. Airport Operations, Contact Centers, Network Planning, RevenueManagement, Digital Products, Human Resources, etc.) to influence strategic decisions, enterprise strategy,businessprocess, and to help connect the dots across the enterprise. We aim to be an organization withwhom and within everyone loves to work!

Statistics experts within Ai partner with business areas to generate practical solutions to complex problems by leveraging big data, explore new business alternatives and drive improvement in business decisions through innovations, research & development, and product knowledge. The team integrates mathematical modeling and analysis to critical financial, operational and/or strategic planning decisions.

Interns are fully immersed in our culture and given meaningful project work. Interns leverage their skills to support value-added projects across many of United's departments.

Qualifications

• Must be a current PhD student in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering or a related field with at least one semester left after the summer ends
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Knowledge of modeling toolkits such as SAS, R, Python, OPL, CPLEX, VBA, or similar
• Ability to work in Unix/Linux platforms with languages including C/C++, Java, Python, or similar
• Creativity and innovative thinking in developing solutions to complex business problems
• Ability to document and present technical information from the business problem definition to the implementation stage in a way that effectively addresses varying levels of management and different audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on teamwork
• Successful completion of the interview is required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Positions are based in Chicago, IL

Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

Posting dates: September 1, 2026 through September 15, 2026

The starting rate for this role is $20.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This position may also be eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail]