AI Search Research Intern

The Role

E4C5 is building its first dedicated research function focused on AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). This is a fast-moving space, and we want someone who is interested in figuring it out alongside us. You will own the research cadence: tracking how answer engines behave across industries, writing up what you find for publication on the E4C5 site and LinkedIn, and turning those findings into strategy recommendations for our client base. You will also support the delivery team on analytics work, data pulls, and ad-hoc client analysis. Best fit for a master's or PhD student in a data science program who wants flex work alongside their studies, or an early-career analyst who wants to build real expertise in a field that is still wide open.

Core Responsibilities

• Track how major answer engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, AI Overviews) cite businesses in B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, construction, and adjacent industries. Document what is changing and why. Follow the major researchers in the space and do your own original research.
• Write 3-5 research posts per month for publication on the E4C5 website and LinkedIn. Grounded in real observations, not generic takes.
• Produce a weekly internal research brief keeping the team current on AEO/GEO developments, algorithm behavior changes, and emerging tactics.
• Build a library of AEO/GEO best practices and strategic frameworks the team can apply to client accounts.
• Build and maintain a centralized data process for ingesting GA4 and AEO/GEO performance data into a shared workbook. This starts as manual ETL and grows from there. The goal is a single place where the team can query raw data and pull tables for client conversations.
• Support analytics delivery: client data pulls, Looker dashboard work, GA4 analysis, and performance reporting.
• Help create sales enablement collateral: research-backed one-pagers, decks, and frameworks that support the team in selling AEO as a client service.

Stretch Projects

• Automate the ETL pipeline built in core responsibilities to ingest and store data without manual intervention.
• Contribute directly to client strategy documents with original research and specific recommendations.
• Pitch and publish at least one piece of E4C5 research to an industry outlet (Search Engine Land, Search Engine Journal, or equivalent).

Skills and Qualifications

• Pursuing or holding a master's or PhD in data science, data analytics, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Genuine interest in AI search and LLMs. You follow this space on your own and you have opinions about where it is going.
• Strong writing skills. You can turn raw research findings into a clean, readable piece without a lot of back and forth.
• Comfortable with data tools: GA4, spreadsheets, Looker, or similar. You do not need to be a data engineer, but you cannot be data-averse.
• Self-directed and organized. There are real output expectations here (published pieces, weekly briefs) and you will be managing your own schedule to hit them.
• Basic SEO knowledge is helpful. Python or SQL is a plus for the ETL work.

Why Work With E4C5

• You will be doing AEO research, not making decks about it. Real deliverables, real publication, real client impact from week one.
• AEO/GEO is the fastest-moving corner of digital marketing right now and nobody has a settled answer on what works. You will build expertise that is genuinely scarce.
• Direct access to senior practitioners.
• Flexible schedule built around your academic or personal commitments.

How to Apply

To be considered, send your resume and 2-3 sentences on each of the following to zach@e4c5consulting.com:

• Who you are and what you are studying or have studied
• Why this role interests you
• Your background or interest in AEO, AI search, or related areas
• Hobbies/Interests outside of AI

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Location

* Wichita, KS (Required)

Work Location: Remote