Research Intern

Employment Details

• Department: Research
• Location: On-site, Kolkata
• Employment Type: Full-time Internship
• Duration: 6 months
• Stipend: As per organisational norms

Role Overview

The Research Intern will support the Research team in conducting literature reviews, data collection, participant coordination, data management, research documentation, and day-to-day research activities. The role will provide hands-on exposure to the research process, from background research and participant engagement to data organisation, analysis support, and research documentation.

The intern will work closely with researchers and other team members to support ongoing studies and research initiatives related to psychology, neuroscience, autism, disability, health, and related areas. The internship will provide practical experience in applying research methods within a real-world, social impact, and disability-focused setting.

Key Responsibilities

1. Literature Review & Background Research

• Conduct systematic and narrative literature searches using academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
• Identify and review relevant academic research, policy documents, reports, and other credible sources.
• Summarise research articles and relevant literature in a structured and concise manner.
• Support researchers in identifying key findings, research gaps, and relevant evidence.
• Maintain organised records of literature reviewed and sources identified.

2. Data Collection & Participant Coordination

• Support the scheduling and coordination of assessment sessions, interviews, surveys, and other research activities with participants and caregivers.
• Assist with participant communication and follow-ups as required.
• Support fieldwork and data collection activities under appropriate supervision.
• Assist with administering questionnaires or supporting observational assessments as per approved research protocols and under supervision.
• Maintain accurate participant logs, schedules, and follow-up records.
• Ensure participant information and research data are handled with appropriate confidentiality.

3. Data Entry, Cleaning & Analysis Support

• Enter research data accurately into databases, spreadsheets, or other designated systems.
• Assist in checking, cleaning, organising, and maintaining datasets.
• Identify and report inconsistencies or missing information in research data.
• Support the preparation of tables, graphs, summaries, and basic reports.
• Assist researchers with the preliminary organisation and interpretation of data under supervision.
• Develop familiarity with research and statistical tools as required for assigned projects.

4. Research Documentation & Project Support

• Assist in preparing and organising study protocols, consent forms, participant documents, and other research materials.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of ethics-related documentation under guidance.
• Maintain organised records of study materials, research logs, participant documentation, and correspondence.
• Assist in preparing research-related presentations, summaries, and project documentation.
• Ensure research records are maintained accurately and systematically.

5. Research Administration & Operational Support

• Support the day-to-day activities and operational requirements of the Research team.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, assessments, interviews, and other research activities.
• Coordinate with internal teams and relevant stakeholders as required for research activities.
• Support the team in maintaining timelines and completing assigned research tasks.
• Take on additional research-related responsibilities as required by ongoing projects.

Key Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to contribute towards:

• Developing a strong foundational understanding of research processes and methodologies.
• Conducting and documenting literature searches using relevant academic databases.
• Producing structured summaries of relevant research papers, reports, and policy documents.
• Supporting participant scheduling, coordination, and supervised data collection activities.
• Maintaining accurate participant records and research documentation.
• Demonstrating proficiency in accurate data entry, organisation, and basic data cleaning.
• Supporting the preparation of tables, graphs, summaries, and research reports.
• Developing familiarity with research documentation, study protocols, consent processes, and ethics-related requirements.
• Demonstrating the ability to work systematically and responsibly with research data and confidential information.
• Building practical experience in supporting ongoing research projects within the autism, psychology, neuroscience, and disability-focused ecosystem.

Must-Have Requirements

• Postgraduate degree or currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Psychology or a related field.
• Strong interest in psychology, neuroscience, research, and evidence-based practice.
• Basic familiarity with research methodology and literature review processes.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of academic writing and research documentation.
• Basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and work systematically with data.
• Ability to handle confidential participant and research information responsibly.
• Willingness to learn research, statistical, and data-management software as required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers and other team members.
• Willingness to work on-site in Kolkata for the full duration of the internship.

Preferred Skills

• Prior academic or project experience involving research, literature reviews, data collection, or academic writing.
• Familiarity with databases such as PubMed, Scopus, or Google Scholar.
• Exposure to quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Familiarity with basic data analysis or statistical concepts.
• Experience working with spreadsheets and structured datasets.
• Interest in psychology, neuroscience, autism, disability, healthcare, or social impact research.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sensitivity while working with participants and caregivers.
• Strong willingness to learn through hands-on research experience.

Growth Opportunity

This internship provides hands-on exposure to the complete research process, including literature review, participant coordination, fieldwork, data collection, data management, research documentation, and analysis support.

The intern will have the opportunity to work closely with the Research team and gain practical experience in conducting research within a psychology, neuroscience, autism, and disability-focused environment.

The experience will help develop research, academic writing, data management, documentation, and project coordination skills that can support future academic and professional opportunities in research and allied fields.

About India Autism Center

India Autism Center (IAC) is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to build a comprehensive ecosystem of support, training, research, and lifelong residential living solutions for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Through its residential facility, professional training initiatives, community engagement efforts, and knowledge-development work, IAC aspires to enable greater independence, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with autism across India.