Research Intern - Strategic Technologies Program (Winter 2026)

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

JOB SUMMARY:  

CSIS seeks a technology policy intern to support the Strategic Technologies Program. The Strategic Technologies Program conducts research on the social, economic, and security challenges created by emerging technologies to inform effective policy solutions and best practices. The Strategic Technologies Program is a leading voice on technology policy, partnering with the private sector and governments to provide pragmatic, data-driven analysis and recommendations written for a global audience. The Program’s research agenda includes cybersecurity; 5G networks and telecommunications; intelligence, artificial intelligence; emerging technology and innovation; and the political effect of the internet. Due to the fast-paced work environment, interns should be motivated self-starters that enjoy a wide variety of analytic and programmatic work.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Essential functions include:  

• Assisting with monitoring developments in the technology policy arena; 

• Assisting with ongoing research projects as needed in both the national and international arena; 

• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects including international cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance, distributed ledger technology, 5th generation telecommunications, and encryption.   

• Compiling research and data into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, and short publications to support the program’s research portfolio; 

• Assisting with development and maintenance of research databases; 

• Supporting events and other administrative tasks as necessary; 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Must hold bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field. Graduate degree preferred. Current graduate students will be considered. 

• Experience in policy research, particularly in technology policy; 

• Must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution; 

• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely, particularly about technical concepts;   

• Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues and high-level stakeholders; 

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments under deadlines effectively; 

• Demonstrated interest in technology policy issues; 

• Demonstrated understanding of CSIS purpose and function, as well as a familiarity with the Technology Policy Program; 

• Specific experience with facial recognition technology, distributed ledger technology, 5th generation telecommunications, or international cybersecurity is a plus.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:  

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

Performances of duties require the use of hands and fingers to handle or feel. The job frequently requires ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications should be submitted through the CSIS Careers & Culture portal. The review process will continue until the position is filled. All applicants must submit the following documents, as a single PDF file under the "Resume" field:   

• Resume
• Cover letter.
• A writing sample (max 5 pages).
• Academic transcript (official or unofficial).
• Contact info for 3 references (name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number).

Salary Range

$18.40—$20.40 USD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.