Spring Intern, Missile Defense Project

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Missile Defense Project is seeking an intern to support research activities starting January 4, 2027. The role is five days per week (35 hours) with predominantly in-person work and some remote flexibility.

Interns are paid hourly, commensurate with experience. Responsibilities include assisting with publications, data collection, website updates, and event planning, along with copyediting and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• Must be at least a college junior, graduate student, or a recent graduate.
• Must have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non‑U.S. institution.
• 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.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research assistance for Missile Defense Project publications and products.
• Update the project's website (missilethreat.csis.org).
• Assist with data collection, management, and visualizations.
• Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing.
• Provide copyediting support for publications.
• Support other administrative tasks as needed.
• Commit to full-time (35 hours/week) for at least three months consecutively.

Skills

Research

Writing

Time management

Communication

Independent work

Education

College junior / graduate student / recent graduate

GPA 3.5+ (US or equivalent)

Tools

Canva

Job description

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 Missile Defense Project (MDP) is seeking an intern to support its research activities. MDP assesses critical issues on air and missile defense, long-range strike, sensors, and emerging military technologies.

The program is looking to hire an intern for a preferred start date of January 4, 2027. The intern is expected to work five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a total of 35 hours/week. The position will be predominantly in‑person with some flexibility for remote work possible. The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Research assistance for MDP’s various 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;
• Ability to commit to working full‑time (35 hours/week) for at least three months consecutively.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least a college junior, graduate student, or a recent graduate;
• Must have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non‑U.S. institution;
• 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.

Salary Range

$18.40 - $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.