Internship
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 8 months ago

IBM East Africa Limited

Job Title: Research Science Intern | Research Scientist

Location: Nairobi, KE

Category: Research

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Required: No Travel

Contract Type: Internship

Company: IBM East Africa Limited

Req ID: 693108BR

Introduction

At IBM, work transcends mere employment – it’s a vocation. It’s about building, designing, coding, consulting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Are you prepared to lead in this new technological era and tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges? If so, let’s talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities

Join us for an exclusive 12-week paid internship at IBM Research – Africa lab in Nairobi, where you’ll experience personal and professional growth, including mentorship from top technology researchers. This program offers you the opportunity to engage in meaningful technological solutions, develop scalable software systems, and collaborate with leading research scientists in AI, health informatics, statistics, and more. This requires curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to explore beyond conventional boundaries.

IBM Research Africa seeks a Ph.D.-level intern to join our teams exploring foundational models in climate sustainability and anomalous pattern detection techniques. Foundational models are versatile, reusable models poised to replace task-specific models prevalent over the past decade.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program from an accredited university in quantitative fields such as Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Physics, or Information Systems.
Demonstrated interest in geospatial and weather data and relevant machine learning methodologies.
4 years of coding experience with the scientific Python stack (numpy, scipy, pandas, matplotlib, pytorch, etc.).
Willingness to relocate to Nairobi, Kenya, for the duration of the internship.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

IBM Research – Africa values diversity and encourages applications from all genders and minority groups. We particularly welcome students meeting qualifications from universities across Kenya to apply for this opportunity.

Key Job Details

Role: Research Science Intern | Research Scientist
Location: Nairobi, KE
Category: Research
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel Required: No Travel
Contract Type: Internship
Company: IBM East Africa Limited
Req ID: 693108BR

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A RESEARCH SCIENCE INTERN POSITION AT IBM EAST AFRICA LIMITED

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

Hiring Manager
IBM East Africa Limited
Nairobi, KE

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Research Science Intern position at IBM East Africa Limited, as advertised. With a profound passion for advancing technology and a strong academic background in [Your Relevant Field], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to innovative research projects at IBM Research – Africa.

Throughout my academic journey pursuing a Ph.D. in [Your Field] from [Your University], I have honed my skills in [Specific Areas Relevant to the Position], which I believe align perfectly with the requirements of this internship role. My hands-on experience with [Specific Technologies or Tools Mentioned in the Job Description] and my keen interest in leveraging data-driven insights to address real-world challenges make me a suitable candidate for this position.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with top researchers at IBM Research Africa, where I can further develop my expertise while making meaningful contributions to projects focused on climate sustainability and anomalous pattern detection techniques. Moreover, the prospect of working in Nairobi, a vibrant hub of innovation, excites me, and I am eager to immerse myself in the diverse culture and rich research environment offered by the city.

I am confident that my academic background, coupled with my passion for research and technology, makes me a strong candidate for this internship position. I am keen to bring my unique perspective and skills to the team at IBM Research – Africa and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives that have a positive impact on society.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications and experiences align with the needs of your team. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Possible Research Science Intern | Research Scientist Interview Questions With Answers

Question: Can you describe your experience with geospatial and weather data analysis? Answer: During my academic pursuits and previous projects, I have extensively worked with geospatial and weather data, employing various machine learning techniques to analyze patterns and extract insights. For instance, in my research project [mention project], I utilized [specific tools or methodologies] to analyze climate data and predict weather patterns accurately.
Question: How do you approach building scalable software systems for research purposes? Answer: When building scalable software systems, I prioritize modular design and efficient algorithms to ensure flexibility and performance. I believe in leveraging cloud-based technologies and containerization to facilitate seamless scalability while maintaining reliability and reproducibility.
Question: Can you discuss your experience with collaborative research projects and how you contribute to team success? Answer: In collaborative research projects, I emphasize effective communication and teamwork to achieve common goals. I actively engage in brainstorming sessions, offer constructive feedback, and contribute my expertise to address challenges collectively. By fostering a collaborative environment, I believe we can maximize productivity and innovation.
Question: How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in your field? Answer: I stay updated with the latest advancements by regularly reading research papers, attending conferences, and participating in online forums and workshops. Additionally, I actively engage with industry professionals and seek opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
Question: Can you provide an example of a challenging problem you encountered during your research and how you approached solving it? Answer: During my research on [mention project], I encountered the challenge of [specific problem]. To address this, I conducted thorough literature review, consulted with domain experts, and experimented with various methodologies. Through perseverance and innovative thinking, I successfully overcame the challenge and achieved [mention outcome].
Question: How do you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines effectively in a fast-paced research environment? Answer: I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact on project milestones, utilizing project management tools and techniques such as Kanban boards and time-blocking. By setting clear goals and regularly reassessing priorities, I ensure timely completion of deliverables while maintaining quality standards.
Question: What motivates you to pursue a career in research and technology? Answer: I am driven by a passion for discovery and innovation, fueled by the potential to make meaningful contributions to society through research and technology. The opportunity to solve complex problems, push the boundaries of knowledge, and create positive impact inspires me to pursue a career in this field.
Question: How do you approach integrating interdisciplinary perspectives into your research projects? Answer: I recognize the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing multifaceted challenges. I actively seek input from experts in diverse fields, engage in cross-disciplinary discussions, and leverage complementary expertise to develop holistic solutions that encompass various perspectives.
Question: Can you describe a project where you had to adapt to unexpected changes or setbacks? Answer: In a recent project, we encountered unexpected data inconsistencies that threatened to derail our progress. To adapt, I collaborated with colleagues to identify alternative data sources, implemented robust data preprocessing techniques, and adjusted our analysis pipeline accordingly. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience in research endeavors.
Question: How do you envision applying your research expertise to address global challenges such as climate change and sustainability? Answer: I believe that leveraging cutting-edge research and technology is essential in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainability. By developing innovative solutions grounded in scientific evidence and interdisciplinary collaboration, I aim to contribute to meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.

We wish you the best in your application process! IBM East Africa Limited is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent from diverse backgrounds, and we do not charge any application or recruitment fees, whether refundable or not. Join our Talent Network to stay updated on future opportunities.

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