Intern - Critical Minerals Security Program (Summer 2026)

CSIS Middle East Program; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

CSIS Middle East Program is seeking a full-time Research Intern starting June 2026. The role requires excellent research skills and the ability to work collaboratively. Interns will support research activities, staff events, and maintain social media. Candidates should be at least college juniors and committed, detail-oriented, and independent. Pay is $18-$20/hour based on qualifications. This intern role is crucial for addressing critical minerals supply chain challenges.

Qualifications

• Eligible to work in the United States.
• At least a college junior in good standing.
• Ability to commit to 35 hours a week preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for scholars and projects.
• Monitor developments in critical minerals supply chains.
• Compile and analyze relevant critical minerals data.
• Assist with administrative tasks and event staffing.
• Attend events to take notes and write de-brief summaries.
• Promote events and publications on social media.

Skills

Research skills

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Data collection and management

Education

College junior or higher

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

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 one Research Intern for a full-time, paid position beginning in June 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, provide general programmatic support, and maintain the program’s social media presence. 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 ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• 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
• Assist in promoting the Program’s public events and publications on Twitter and LinkedIn

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

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.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and short writing sample at https://careers.csis.org/.

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.