Research Intern – Hidden Reach/ iDeas Lab (Spring 2025)

 

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 approximately 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

 

The CSIS iDeas Lab is currently seeking candidates for a three-month full-time, paid research internship, with the possibility of an extension to six-months. This role will support Hidden Reach, a special CSIS initiative that shines light on under-appreciated sources of China's far-reaching influence through open-source data and satellite imagery. CSIS interns mostly work downtown at our office in DC, but some flexibility is offered to work remotely part of the time. All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

 

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($17.50/hour for current undergraduate hires, $18.50/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $19.50/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

 

• Compiling research briefs and literature reviews for fellows and research staff;

• Researching and writing on issues related to China;

• Drafting research memos and notes in support of research projects;

• Assisting in collecting and analyzing primary and secondary source documents and datasets;

• Monitoring Chinese media sources and reports;

• Proofreading and editing outgoing publications;

• Completing other minor administrative tasks.

 

 

• Completion or near completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in foreign affairs, political science, or a related field;

• Strong demonstrated interest in and knowledge of Chinese foreign and security policy;

• Demonstrated research skills;

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills;

• Strong Mandarin Chinese language reading and research skills;

• Zest for challenging assignments that demand creativity.

 

 

This position will be based out of our Washington DC headquarters and is expected to be in-office. 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, a writing sample, and all college transcripts at https://careers.csis.org/. Writing samples should demonstrate the ability to research and write policy-relevant work on the region.