Research Intern, Research Department at QFI

Position: Research Intern, Research Department 

Reports To: Senior Director of Research

Type: Non-Exempt Part Time (20 to 25 hours per week)

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour

Location: Must reside and be attending a school the District of Columbia Metro Area 

Date: January 2026

About the Organization

QFI is a US based organization committed to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language. QFI works to increase access to research-informed Arabic instruction for educators and students. 

QFI works to foster and encourage the study of Arabic as a global language by supporting the professionalization of Arabic teaching and research-informed methodology and practices. With more than a decade of experience working in the Americas, the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, QFI has established networks of educators, administrators, students, researchers, and other experts in language learning. With Arabic language programs more prominent at the university level, the number of Arabic education programs offered at the primary and secondary level has not changed much, providing an opportunity for QFI to position Arabic as a global language that is taught at an earlier age.

Position Summary

Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) research department is charged with implementing QFI’s Research Agenda that explores issues related to the teaching and learning of Arabic and Arab culture and multilingualism in primary and secondary schools. This Research Agenda has three main goals:

1. To expand and enrich the existing body of literature on the teaching and learning of Arabic in primary and secondary schools; and
2. To inform QFI’s strategic planning and programming; and
3. To establish QFI’s reputation as a thought leader.

While QFI values peer-reviewed research and articles, all QFI-supported research findings must be accessible to QFI’s main stakeholders – primary and secondary schools, teachers, and students who are teaching and /or learning Arabic and about the Arab world and inform QFI’s work.

QFI is seeking an intern to support this research department. Evidence should inform QFI programming, and frame communications about QFI’s work. This position will be focused on supported the research department in two main ways: 1) by providing administrative and logistical support for grant management and event planning; and 2) drafting literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, or short summaries and key messages/takeaways. This writing will be used by QFI to ensure that our projects, program design, messages, materials, and outreach initiatives are firmly grounded in rigorous research findings. 

Position Functions and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, each essential duty and responsibility must be performed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Contribute to QFI thought leadership such as:
  • Reading and summarizing research on key takeaways for various stakeholders (academic, educator, and layperson audiences);
  • Drafting literature reviews, case studies and other research-driven content;
  • Thoroughly reads all QFI-supported research;
  • Works with research department to organize and maintain a database of research summaries, literature reviews, etc.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the research department such as:
  • Helping to ensure documentation and housekeeping for the research department is in order;
  • Providing support on the processing of research grants related to research on the learning and teaching of the Arabic language by:
    • helping review proposals for completeness and flag missing or unclear information
    • maintain trackers
    • manage external and internal reviews, if applicable 
• Meets with Research Officer on a frequent basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent writing, time management, and project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially to deliver research findings in compelling and easy to understand messaging.
• Extremely detail oriented & demonstrates initiative.
• Demonstrated interest in K-12 education-related research.
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated experience with writing literature reviews, research findings, etc.
• Ability to multi‐task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast‐moving, changing, and complex environment.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken Arabic at a novice-high level or above desired but not required.

Requirements

• Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program that includes course work related to research methods (qualitative or quantitative). 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States, if hired.

Working Conditions

QFI currently operates on a Hybrid Work Policy with in-person work required two days per week. The research department requires Wednesday or Thursdays to be one of the two days. Employees may be required to travel to QFI offices or third-party sites to attend meetings, events, or for other situations as deemed necessary by their supervisor.

• Mostly sedentary; must be able to lift up to 20lbs.
• Up to 20% travel required (international and domestic) following QFI’s Travel Policy

This position description should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the sole standards for the position.  Incumbents are expected to perform all other duties as required. 

To be considered for this position you must reside in the Washington, DC metro area.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to research@qfi.org  with the subject line “Research Intern Application”. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.