Summer Internship | 2026

Many of the most important challenges facing society today are unprecedented and so complex that they can only be solved by innovative and highly transdisciplinary approaches – complexity science. Complexity science integrates high-dimensional, real-world data analysis and computational modeling to deliver insights to the systems that underlie our world. Join us for an internship and gain first-hand experience with complex systems research and its foundational theories and tools.

Find more information and descriptions of available projects on the program page here.

NOTE: This is an unpaid position.

• Students currently enrolled in a degree-granting Bachelors, Masters, or combined degree program from an accredited institution.
• Applicants with a facility for quantitative approaches.
• Individuals whose goals align with those of the program.
• We strongly encourage applications from women and individuals from historically excluded groups in the sciences.
• Availability for 6 to 10 weeks, between June 15 – September 1, 2026. We do not offer internships outside of the summer months of June-August.
• Bachelors students should have completed at least 2 years of study by the start of the internship.
• Applicants planning to re-enroll in such a program within the next 12 months are also eligible.
• Prior coursework in a quantitative discipline (e.g., social, natural, or information sciences, mathematics, engineering).
• Programming experience or coursework in Python, R, or statistical platforms (an asset).
• Proficiency in English.
• This is a learning experience: no prior independent research experience or familiarity with complexity science methods required.
• Remote participation is not possible. Accepted students must be in Vienna, Austria, for the duration of the program. 
• Independent Complexity Science Project:
• Individualized Training:
• Scientific Talks and Research Seminars:
• Introductory Skills and Foundations Workshops:
• Social Activities:
• Project Presentation:
• Engage in a self-driven research project focused on complexity science. Available projects can be found here.
• Receive personalized guidance and mentorship from dedicated project advisor(s).
• Attend talks and seminars on cutting-edge research topics in complexity science.
• Participate in workshops to build foundational skills and knowledge.
• Enjoy a select number of intern-only social events.
• Present your research findings to the CSH community.

The core of the internship experience is the project and the close collaboration with the project advisor(s). The project advisors, along with other members of the research team, will help with technical aspects of the project and provide regular opportunities to discuss bigger-picture elements of the work. Advisors provide reading lists and additional learning resources so that students can enhance their knowledge and skills related to the project. Students will also have access to a range of workshops, seminars, and talks to help them gain knowledge about complexity science and current areas of research.Application for a summer internship at CSH is possible until January 13, 2026 (midnight Vienna local time). Late applications cannot be accepted. 

Applicants must submit: 
Input directly into the application form:
(1) biographical information
(2) general details of academic background
Upload:
(3) curriculum vitae or resume
(4) a cover letter that addresses the following points:

• Describe any job experiences, coursework, hobbies, skills, degrees, certifications, or licenses that you have that might be relevant during this internship.
• Describe your vision as a young scientist. What problem(s) would you like to solve? If your interest is in data visualization, what do you hope to achieve with your work?
• Describe what interests you about a specific project and how it fits into your scientific vision. Describe how this internship could be useful towards realizing your scientific (or other) goals.

 
Candidates will be notified of their application status in early March.