Critical Minerals Security Program Intern

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a Research Intern for its Critical Minerals Security Program in Washington, DC. This paid, full-time internship begins in September 2026. The intern will support research activities, staff events, and assist with program tasks.

Candidates with an interest in mining or critical minerals are preferred, but not required. The position offers hourly pay based on education level: $18.40 for undergraduates, $19.40 for bachelor’s, and $20.40

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• College junior, advanced student, or recent graduate eligible for internship.
• Commit to 35 hours per week and in-person work at CSIS HQ.
• Strong research, communication, time management, and organization skills.
• Experience with data collection and management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for scholars and projects on critical minerals supply chains.
• Monitor developments related to critical minerals supply chains.
• Compile, organize, and analyze relevant data.
• Provide logistical support for staff tasks and events.
• Attend CSIS and external events, take notes and write de-brief summaries.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Data collection

Data management

Education

College junior or advanced student or recent graduate

Job description

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

The Critical Minerals Security Program at CSIS seeks to provide evidence‑based thought leadership to develop innovative and sensible policy solutions to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities for the key minerals needed for national, economic, and energy security.

The Program is seeking a Research Intern for a full‑time, paid position beginning in September 2026. As a fast‑paced, dynamic program, we require an individual who is motivated, capable, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working both collaboratively and independently. The intern will have the opportunity to contribute to the Program’s research activities, staff high‑profile events, and provide general programmatic support. Experience or specific knowledge about the mining sector and critical minerals is not required, but candidates with a demonstrated interest in these fields are preferred. Please tell us why you are interested in critical minerals security in your cover letter.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide research support for individual scholars and projects related to critical minerals supply chains and policy
• Monitor key developments and issues related to critical minerals supply chains
• Compile, organize, and analyze relevant critical minerals data
• Provide logistical support to the Program staff for administrative tasks as needed, including event staffing and routine office work
• Attend events and lectures by CSIS and external organizations to take notes and write de‑brief summaries

Knowledge, Education, And Experience

• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must be at least a college junior in good standing, an advanced student, or a recent graduate
• Ability to commit 35 hours a week preferred
• Ability to work in‑person at CSIS headquarters
• Excellent research skills required
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Good judgment and ability to work independently and with a team
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills
• Experience with data collection and management preferred

Salary Range : $18.40 USD - $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.