Research Intern (Summer 2027)

CNA Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

CNA Corporation invites motivated summer interns to contribute to national security research. As a CNA Research Intern, you’ll join real study teams, tackle self-contained projects, and gain hands-on experience applying rigorous analysis to critical challenges facing national defense and policy.

You will collaborate with expert researchers, develop analytical techniques, and present findings to internal teams, with potential exposure to external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline.
• Must be enrolled in a graduate program.
• Undergraduate research experience, including literature searches, analyses, and writing reports, is required.
• Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and structure analytical problems.
• Develop sound analytical techniques.
• Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.
• Communicate results both in writing and orally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

MS Office

Database tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or related fields

Graduate program enrollment

Tools

MS Office

Database manipulation

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Are you passionate about making an impact on national security through deep, meaningful research? We're looking for interns to join CNA in summer of 2027! As a CNA Research Intern, you'll be embedded in real study teams, contributing directly to projects that support our nation's defense and security. Interns will take on a self-contained research project or support multiple ongoing studies, gaining hands‑on experience in applying rigorous analysis to critical real-world challenges.

What You'll Do:

• Collaborate with expert researchers and analysts tackling complex national security issues
• Contribute to high‑impact projects that inform defense policy and operations
• Present findings and insights to internal teams and potentially external stakeholders

Who We’re Looking For:

• Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees (master's or PhD)
• Strong interest in policy research, national defense, or security studies
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills

Why Choose CNA?

• Work alongside mission‑driven experts in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment
• Gain mentorship and networking opportunities that last far beyond the internship

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Assist in the process of defining and structuring analytical problems
2. Develop sound analytical techniques
3. Carry out analyses to logical conclusions
4. Communicate results both in writing and orally
5. Perform other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Must have a Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline. Must be enrollment in a graduate program
2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience, including conducting literature searches, analyses, and writing reports is required. Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred
3. Skills: Must have experience with database manipulation and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; critical thinking and organizational skills
4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. US citizenship is required
5. Remote/Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements

Required Documents

1. Resume - Please upload your resume
2. Cover letter - Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and why you'd like to intern with CNA
3. Transcripts - Please upload your transcripts - unofficial copies are ok

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work‑life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non‑merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the Law Poster, EEO Poster Supplement. The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.