Research Intern Jobs in District of Columbia
Research Intern jobs in District of Columbia concentrate in federal policy, public health, think tanks, and international affairs, making D.C. one of the most active markets in the country for early-career researchers at every level from undergraduate to post-graduate fellow. Most hiring centers on Washington itself, where institutions such as the Brookings Institution, the Pew Research Center, and the National Institutes of Health maintain a steady demand for research support. The most in-demand specialties include policy analysis, social science research, and public health data work. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Research Intern jobs
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).
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.
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).
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.
See All 12 Research Intern Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Research Intern JobsResearch Intern Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Intern Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research intern jobs across District of Columbia.
- Current enrollment or recent graduation from an accredited college or university program
- Demonstrated experience with quantitative or qualitative research methods and data analysis
- Proficiency in research tools such as SPSS, Stata, R, or Python for data work
- Strong written communication skills for preparing policy briefs or research summaries
- Familiarity with federal policy processes, regulatory frameworks, or public sector research environments
- Ability to obtain a background check or security clearance where federal access is required
Research Intern Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research intern in District of Columbia?
Research intern roles in District of Columbia do not require a state-issued license, but competitive candidates typically hold enrollment in or a degree from a recognized university program in social sciences, public policy, economics, or a related field. D.C. employers strongly favor candidates with coursework or project experience tied to federal policy areas, public health, or international affairs. Applying directly to think tanks, federal agencies, and D.C.-based nonprofits is the most common path.
Which companies hire research interns in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring research interns in District of Columbia right now include Center for Strategic and International Studies, Global Impact, and STAND TOGETHER, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. D.C.'s dense concentration of federal contractors, policy institutes, and health agencies means new cohorts of research intern openings appear throughout the year, not just in summer cycles.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most research intern jobs?
The cities with the most research intern openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington itself drives the overwhelming share of demand given its federal agencies, major think tanks, and international organizations, while adjacent areas in the broader D.C. metro benefit from the spillover of large government contractors and health research campuses headquartered just outside the city limits.
Are there remote research intern jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than many fields, since much research intern work centers on literature reviews, data analysis, and writing tasks that translate well to remote settings. About 80% of research intern openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of the role. Policy writing, data coding, and background research assignments are the parts of the job most commonly performed fully remotely.
How can I get hired as a research intern in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to structured internship cohorts run by D.C.-based federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Urban Institute, or the Congressional Research Service, which regularly accept applicants with limited prior experience. A well-documented class research project, a senior thesis, or a writing portfolio demonstrating analytical work gives candidates a strong edge. Adjacent roles such as research assistant, data entry associate, or program assistant at a D.C. nonprofit are common lateral starting points.
Where can I find and apply to research intern jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to research intern jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across D.C. employers. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and interests, and apply directly through each listing without any additional steps required on the platform.
See All 12 Research Intern Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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