Develop what comes next.

Artificial intelligence can already answer questions. The next challenge is putting it to work: connecting knowledge, tools, and people to create new experiences and solve real-world problems.

At Instinct, we are looking for someone who wants to build these connections. Someone who has the curiosity to explore, the drive to code, and the enthusiasm to turn ideas into prototypes — and prototypes into useful solutions.

If you enjoy understanding how things work and imagining how they could work better, we want to meet you.

About Instinct

Instinct is an innovation agency that supports large companies in transforming their businesses and adopting new technologies and new ways of working, using a Human-Centred Design approach.

Since 2012, we have been studying new economy companies and emerging technologies that transform behaviours, habits, and businesses.

We combine strategy, design, and technology to help companies execute their best version of the future. We use software-as-a-service, no-code platforms, and artificial intelligence to experiment, learn, and build. We always start with people and challenges — not with technology.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an AI Developer to join the Instinct team on a 6-month paid internship opportunity under DNA Match, aimed at residents of the municipality of Cascais. More information here - DNA Match 9th edition.

What does developing AI at Instinct mean?

It means creating an assistant that finds the right information. An agent that helps a team accomplish a task. An experience that makes a company's knowledge more accessible. Or a link between platforms that eliminates repetitive work and makes room for more interesting work.

It means understanding what people need, exploring possibilities, and choosing technology that makes sense. Not everything needs an agent. Not everything needs to be built from scratch.

You will collaborate with designers and business analysts across the various project phases: from exploring the challenge to building, testing with users, and refining the solution.

We are not looking for a number of years on a CV. We are looking for strong technical foundations, the ability to learn, and the drive to get things done. We value academic, personal, or professional projects that show how you think and what you have already tried to build. The scope of responsibilities and autonomy will be tailored to your background and development.

What you will do

• Turn challenges into possibilities: collaborate with the team to identify where AI can enhance an experience, a service, or a way of working.

• Shape ideas: develop prototypes of assistants, agents, and applications powered by artificial intelligence models.

• Connect the pieces: integrate platforms, data sources, and tools via APIs and other integration mechanisms.

• Make knowledge useful: help build solutions that search through documents and data to respond with context and sources.

• Experiment with purpose: test models and approaches, understand limitations, and select simple, fitting, and sustainable solutions.

• Build for real people: assist with user testing and iterate on solutions based on their feedback.

• Care for what is built: contribute to code quality, documentation, privacy, security, and ongoing maintenance of the solutions.

Technical skills

• Educational background in Engineering fields: technological specialisation course (level 5) or bachelor's degree (level 6).

• Programming knowledge in Python and/or JavaScript/TypeScript.

• Familiarity with APIs, JSON, and databases, gained through academic, personal, or professional projects.

• Experience using AI tools to develop applications.

• Ability to break down a problem, test hypotheses, and troubleshoot root causes.

• Attention to detail and the ability to write clean, understandable code.

If you have already explored any of these areas, tell us about it.

Using AI tools to code is part of the exploration. Understanding, testing, and taking responsibility for the output is as well.

Your way of working

• You are curious about new technologies and like to experiment beyond the tutorial.

• You want to understand the business and the people, not just receive a technical specification.

• You enjoy working with people who think differently and you can explain your ideas clearly.

• You have the initiative to move forward and the openness to ask for help, take feedback, and pivot your approach.

• You prefer a useful, well-executed solution over a demo full of empty promises.

What you will find at Instinct

• Real projects with corporate challenges and exposure to different industries.

• A multidisciplinary team bringing together strategy, research, design, communications, and technology.

• Space to propose ideas, try out tools, and participate in building solutions.

• Learning opportunities, knowledge sharing, and mentorship throughout the internship.

• The chance to see your contribution go from code to an experience used by real people.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 20 November 2026, via the DNA Match - 9th edition website.

Send your CV and a brief cover letter. If you have a portfolio or projects that showcase your work, please include them as well.

The future is designed with curiosity, experimentation, and a focus on people.