Research Intern - Economics Program (Fall 2026)

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

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc. invites applications for a Fall 2026 Research Intern in the Economics Program in Washington, D.C.

The intern will support research on international trade, supply chains, and financial topics, starting Aug 24, 2026, with hybrid options and in-person work through August 2026. The role requires junior standing or higher, coursework in international trade, strong writing, and data-analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced econometric and data science skills.
• Strong English-language writing and research skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to work under pressure.
• Background in international trade or economics is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Economics Program team on projects including analysis of supply chains, climate change and trade, and other international economic topics.
• Conduct research and assist with writing reports, quantitative data analysis, and other research products.
• Establish and maintain relationships within CSIS and with external organizations under guidance.
• Identify, attend, and summarize virtual internal and external events relevant to the Economics Program.

Skills

Econometrics

Data science

Data visualization

English writing

Education

Coursework in international trade

Job description

Research Intern - Economics Program (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 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.

The CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business seeks a Fall research intern to support its work. This position will begin on or after August 24, 2026. The Economics Program focuses on international economic issues and how they impact U.S. competitiveness, prosperity, and economic security. Key areas of focus include trade policy, supply chain resilience, investment policy, international finance, innovation and drivers of economic growth.

We are seeking an undergraduate (junior standing or above), graduate, or recent graduate candidate who has completed coursework in international trade, has a background in trade and economics, and possesses good research and writing skills. The position is full‑time or part‑time and in‑person until August 2026. This internship is paid.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work directly with the Economics Program team on ongoing and future projects, including analysis of supply chains, climate change and trade, sustainable development, digital trade, trade and economic arrangements, global economic governance, multilateral institutions, trade facilitation, and foreign investment.
• Conduct research and assist with writing reports, quantitative data analysis, and other research products on international economic topics.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships within CSIS and with other organizations under the guidance of the program.
• Identify, attend, and take notes on virtual internal and external events relevant to the work of the Economics Program.
• Assist as needed on ad hoc projects or requests, as directed by program staff.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• Candidates will possess advanced econometric and data science skills, with demonstrated experience analyzing economic data and creating insightful data visualizations.
• Candidates must have strong English-language writing and research skills and be detail-oriented under pressure.
• Candidates should be critical and creative thinkers who thrive in an independent working environment with tight deadlines.
• Candidates must be able to function well as part of a friendly, small, and close-knit team.
• Practical and/or academic background in the following areas is desirable but not required:
• International trade and investment policy
• International economics
• International finance
• International relations
• Climate change and sustainability policy

This candidate will be working alongside colleagues internal to CSIS but also with external parties, including domestic and foreign government officials. Candidates must have strong communication skills, be self‑disciplined, and be detail‑oriented. Prior professional experience is required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants should submit as a single combined PDF of their résumé, cover letter, writing sample (3-5 pages), and a college transcript.

The deadline for submission is July 28, 2026. Submissions after that deadline or which are not submitted as a single combined PDF will not be considered.

Salary Range

$18 - $20 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.