Doctoral Summer Internship

Job Description

Western Digital’s Doctoral Internship offers Economics PhD students a unique opportunity to advance their research while collaborating with leading experts in the semiconductor, storage, and data industries. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced economists and industry professionals, engaging in cutting-edge research that spans a wide range of microeconomic fields, including: 

• Econometrics: Apply advanced econometric methods to analyze real-world data and assess the impact of technological innovation. 
• Industrial Organization: Investigate market structures, firm behavior, and strategic pricing in the technology and storage sectors. 
• Auction Theory: Explore mechanisms for resource allocation, from semiconductor procurement to cloud storage pricing. 
• Behavioral Economics: Evaluate consumer decision-making in the context of new data-driven products and services. 

This internship provides an unparalleled platform for research and innovation. With access to Western Digital’s expansive datasets, you’ll have the opportunity to work on topics like the economics of AI on the edge, the impact of storage technology on market efficiency, or your own proposed area of study. You’ll collaborate with a supportive network of economists and data scientists, receiving mentorship that can lead to co-authorship in peer-reviewed journals. 

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Economics, focusing on any branch of microeconomics (e.g., Econometrics, Industrial Organization, Auction Theory, etc.) with a targeted graduation date of May/June 2026 or beyond
• A proven publication record or a strong recommendation from a respected academic
• A compelling research proposal that leverages Western Digital’s data or infrastructure, outlining its potential contribution to the field of economics

This is an ideal opportunity to further your academic career while gaining real-world insights into the economics of technology and innovation.