Run Perception Graduate Internship, R&D - Winter 2027

About Brooks

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation. Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success: Runner First, Word is Bond, Champion Heart, There is no “I” in Run, Keep Moving.

Internship Details

Duration: 6 months
Internship Target Start: January 12, 2026
Location: Seattle, HQ
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Compensation: $33.00/hour

Your Opportunity

Our Run Perception Team is seeking a master’s graduate intern to work at our Seattle HQ offices. As the Run Perception Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in product research at the leading running brand – Brooks Sports, Inc. Your primary responsibilities will be to assist Run Perception Researchers as they collect information from product testers across the nation to contribute key perceptual information regarding fit, performance, and design. This information is critical for our multi-departmental infrastructure, including Development, Design, and Merchandising, to ensure that performance integrity of our product meets the needs of our end consumers. You will also gain knowledge on how perceptual feedback influences design and development of athletic products at Brooks. With the Run Perception Team being part of our Development team, you will learn how to work closely with the Developers on building product based off insights collected not only from the Run Perception Team, but also from other collaborators across the company.

Responsibilities

• Understand athletic product design features and components, and how they influence fit, feel, and ride.
• Conduct internal and external perception testing data collections for inline footwear and the sourcing team. This entails targeted participant recruitment based on the product goals and consumer base, creation of perception surveys that test the hypotheses at hand, analysis of qualitative results, and synthesis of data into a clear point of view highlighting how the product is performing.
• Compile and present scientific reports via PowerPoint, summarizing findings based on runner feedback that are delivered to product teams for use in product improvement.
• Use your graduate-level research skills to conduct Run Perception studies that lead to innovative testing procedures and optimization of product for all who run.
• Use your advanced data analytics skills to mine data in our Tableau historical dashboards containing over 3 million words of perception testing feedback for product over the last six years to recommend product improvements based on identified opportunities.
• Use AI-powered tools to help analyze and summarize wear test feedback at both the individual and historical dataset level, uncovering meaningful patterns and insights that strengthen product storytelling and recommendations.
• Develop loyal, engaging relationships with our product testers and the Brooks community.
• Assist with the management of Brooks perception testing community social media account on Facebook with timely and accurate responses to participants and the creation of engaging content for the group.
• Other duties as assigned.

Project

As a part of your experience as a graduate intern at Brooks, you will have the opportunity to complete a project under the support and supervision of your manager. Details of your project will be finalized once you arrive at Brooks based on your interests and the needs of the business. You will use your ever-growing analytical skillset as a graduate student to prepare a thoughtful and elevated project. Weave your learnings from your graduate courses into your work to challenge yourself and benefit