Data Science Intern - Inference & Marketplace

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.

Lyft’s Data Science Team builds the mathematical models underpinning the platform’s core services. The set of problems tackled is incredibly diverse—cutting across optimization, prediction, modeling, inference, transportation, and mapping. Lyft is hiring Data Science Interns for Summer 2027 across three core specialties:

• Optimization: Construct and fit statistical or optimization models that facilitate automated decision-making in the Lyft app.
• Machine Learning: Design, build, tune, and deploy machine learning models with a strong emphasis on feature engineering and production deployment.
• Inference: Design and analyze tests across a dynamic marketplace, estimating statistical and ML models to drive pricing, dispatch, incentives, and algorithmic policy decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Problem Formulation: Partner with Engineers, Product Managers, and cross-functional teams to frame business challenges mathematically and strategically.
• Exploratory Data Analysis: Perform in-depth data analysis to discover underlying patterns and gain domain insight.
• Production Code & Algorithms: Write production-quality modeling code and collaborate with software engineers to implement algorithms into live systems.
• Experimentation: Design and execute both simulated and live-traffic experiments.
• Analysis & Communication: Analyze experimental and observational data, communicate findings across partner teams, present results, and inform launch decisions.

Requirements

Education & Graduation Window

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Operations Research, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, Behavioral Science, Electrical Engineering, Microeconomics, Econometrics, or Data Engineering).
• Required graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028.
• Available for a full-time internship during Summer 2027 in New York City, NY.

Technical Skills

• Required proficiency in Python (or SQL / R).
• Experience with standard data science and ML libraries (e.g., NumPy, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, SpaCy, NLTK).
• Practical background in experimental design, A/B testing analysis, and exploratory data analysis.
• Demonstrated domain expertise in at least one key specialty: Optimization & Mathematical Modeling, Machine Learning Fundamentals, or Probabilistic & Statistical Modeling.

Nice to Have

• Experience in marketplace design, ridesharing platforms, two-sided marketplaces, or transportation systems.

Benefits & Workplace Perks

• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate ($58–$62/hr).
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options, plus mental health support.
• Time Off: Paid holidays, 2 days paid time off, and 3 days sick leave.
• Financial & Commuter: 401(k) retirement plan and pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Lyft Perks: Exclusive access to test new features via the Lyft Pink Ridership Program.
• In-Office Culture: Hybrid working environment with perks provided during in-office days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays).