OSSI - Summer Graduate Research Internships | LAiSER | The George Washington University

LAiSER x OSSI | George Washington University

Summer Graduate Research Internships: Applied AI & Open Source Governance

LAiSER, a pioneering open-source initiative at GWU, is seeking 8 graduate research interns for summer 2026. This is an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of applied AI and education/workforce policy, bridging the gap between academic research and scalable, real-world implementations. In partnership with OSSI, this cohort will operate within a high-velocity Agile environment, providing students with the professional frameworks used by top-tier tech and policy firms.

The Tracks

1. Technical Track: AI & Data Engineering (6 Positions)

Apply your technical training to develop and deploy tools that move beyond the laboratory.

Build AI integration demonstrations, architect data pipelines, and contribute to software workflows for skills-based data extraction.
Exposure to Python, LLM orchestration, and automated skills-matching frameworks.
Gain experience in a structured Agile setting, transforming raw research into functional open-source tools.

2. Policy Track: Governance & AI Adoption (2 Positions)

Help define the rules for the future of open-source technology.

Research AI deployment frameworks, analyze open-source software adoption within the public sector, and evaluate the ethical implications of skills-based data.
Help to define how AI is governed and integrated into the public interest within the LAiSER ecosystem.

Program Highlights

Professional Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior researchers and practitioners.
Synthesis & Growth: Dedicated time for guided learning and reflection to ensure this work aligns with your dissertation or career trajectory.
Schedule: May 29 – July 31, 2026.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled Graduate Student or accepted into graduate studies for Fall 2026 at George Washington University.
Expertise in Data Science, Computer Science, Public Policy, or Public Administration.
A commitment to the open-source ethos and the practical application of emerging tech.

Logistics & Application

Currently, these internships are unpaid. However, we are actively pursuing project-specific funding, and a limited number of roles may transition to paid positions as resources are confirmed.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief statement indicating your preferred track (Technical or Policy) to PSCWPGWU [dot] edu.