Vacancy

About us

Do you want to make a real impact with your analytical and research skills? Do you want to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive economy? Are you driven to make a difference in the world by helping companies accelerate change in the agrifood, retail, and other sectors? Do you want to develop yourself in the growing fields of impact measurement and true cost accounting, and be part of an ambitious and driven organization? Then we are looking for you to join our team for a food data internship.

True Price is a movement of consumers, businesses and institutions striving to incorporate environmental and social costs into product prices, to achieve an economy that respects Human Rights and ecological boundaries. Our flagship True Price methodology—developed over more than a decade together with our academic and non-academic partners—is recognized globally as one of the most advanced approaches to quantifying hidden externalities.

Recently, we launched a landmark True Price Database, containing thousands of estimates of hidden social and environmental costs of food items worldwide, from climate to water impact, from child labour risk to underpayment. The database helps food service companies to reduce harmful impacts of their product offering, and it is used by researchers to model diets and supply chains that minimize harm to the environment and social risks.

Your role

As a True Price Food Data Intern, you will:

• Help to design and build new database modules to refine the estimates using PostgreSQL.
• Review, select and integrate new datasets that can help to improve the estimates for individual or multiple indicators, testing and validating implementation before release.
• Support in developing workflows and visualizations for users and data analysts to explore, understand, apply and help enrich the database.

You’ll be embedded in the True Price team under the guidance of our Method & Data Lead, collaborating closely with the Impact Institute’s data specialist, and joining all common activities (weekly stand-ups, monthly meetings, social events, etc.).

What we offer

• A dynamic, flexible and stimulating professional environment at the intersection of true cost accounting, social and environmental life cycle assessment and open data.
• A 6-month full-time internship (32–40 hours/week) based in the Netherlands (hybrid working possible), with possible immediate start.
• Active coaching and on-the-job training in True Price methodology, data science & data engineering best practices, and tool development.
• Access to a strong network of practitioners and researchers through True Price, Impact Institute and affiliated partners.
• Monthly compensation of €785, plus commuting costs up to €275.
• The opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking model that may be published or showcased in our case studies.

Your profile

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s in Industrial Ecology, Agricultural Economics, Sustainability, Econometrics, Mathematics or related field.
• Proven experience with data analysis: actual coding experience and passion for coding is required; SQL proficiency is a strong distinguisher.
• Familiarity with Python, qGIS, AI data tools and Git are a plus.
• Analytical mindset, strong problem-solving skills and ability to structure complex workflows.
• Advanced written and spoken English; Dutch is a plus.
• Independent, proactive and results-oriented, with an eagerness to learn new tools and methods.

How to apply

Ready to help define the true cost of food? Please send your CV, cover letter and grade transcript below.

We look forward to receiving your application – no intermediaries, please.