Intern - Missile Defense Project (Fall 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc. (CSIS) invites an Intern for the Missile Defense Project in Fall 2026. The role is based in Washington, D.C., with in-person work and some remote flexibility.

The intern will engage in research, data collection, website updates, and event support, beginning September 14, 2026, for about 35 hours per week. Eligible candidates are undergraduate juniors or graduate students with strong academic records (GPA 3.5+), excellent writing and

Qualifications

• At least a college junior, graduate student, or recent graduate.
• Minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent abroad.
• Interest or experience in missile defense, nuclear policy, or emerging technologies.
• Excellent record in an academic or research environment.
• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience in graphic design or illustrating software such as Canva is a plus.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Research assistance for MDP’s publications and products.
• Updating the project’s website, missilethreat.csis.org.
• Assist with data collection, management, and visualizations.
• Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing.
• Copyediting support for written publications.
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed.
• Commit to full‑time work (35 hours/week) for at least three months consecutively.

Skills

Research

Writing

Time management

Independent work

Education

College junior / graduate student or recent graduate

GPA 3.5 (4.0 scale)

Tools

Canva

Job description

Intern - Missile Defense Project (Fall 2026)

Washington, D.C.

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non‑profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 that provides strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerning global security and prosperity. The CSIS Missile Defense Project (MDP) focuses on air and missile defense, conventional strike, and advanced technology. MDP is seeking an intern to support its research and operational activities, working primarily in‑person with some remote flexibility. The position begins September 14, 2026 and requires 35 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research assistance for MDP’s publications and products
• Updating the project’s website, missilethreat.csis.org
• Assist with data collection, management, and visualizations
• Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing
• Copyediting support for written publications
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed
• Commit to full‑time work (35 hours/week) for at least three months consecutively

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• At least a college junior, graduate student, or recent graduate
• Minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent abroad
• Interest or experience in missile defense, nuclear policy, or emerging technologies
• Excellent record in an academic or research environment
• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time‑management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Experience in graphic design or illustrating software such as Canva is a plus
• Eligible to work in the United States

COMPENSATION

Hourly wage of $18.40 for undergraduates, $19.40 for bachelor’s degrees, and $20.40 for master’s degrees.

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.