Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics

Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics, IISS-Americas

Location: Washington DC
Contract: Fixed-term
Hours: 30 hours per week

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking one student intern to work up to 30 hours per week to support the development of a new research program on technology, trade and geopolitics. The start and end dates are flexible, with a preference for those available from June until August.
 

Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will gain direct exposure to the research, publications and management of a leading international think tank. We are looking for an intern with a strong academic background focused on international relations or national-security studies, ideally with an interest in emerging technologies and international trade.
 

Duties will include:

• Conducting research and writing on technical issues, policy developments and diplomacy regarding technology and trade.
• Performing operational tasks to assist in convening virtual and in-person events.
• Performing outreach to both government and nongovernment entities.
• Supporting IISS–Americas researchers with ad-hoc research, data-collection, writing, editing and fundraising projects.

Requirements:

Successful candidates will:
 

• Have good substantive knowledge of current trends in international security, particularly emerging technologies relevant to national security and/or international trade.
• Be able to write quickly and clearly.
• Be a proactive self-starter and able to work in a small team environment.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Excel.

It would be advantageous if candidates are currently pursuing a master’s degree, though undergraduates will also be considered.
 

Eligibility and Compensation:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. The IISS-Americas regrets that it cannot assist with procuring visas or entry permits.
This is an in-person internship paid at $18/hr for up to 30 hours per week. Applicants must reside in the DC metro area at the time of the internship.
 

Application:

Interested candidates can proceed by pressing the blue ‘apply now’ button on the left-hand side of this screen. You will be asked to upload a one-page resume, a one-page cover letter, and a writing sample (up to 2,500 words in length). The writing sample can be a stand-alone work or an excerpt focusing on any topic. When uploading your documents, please merge the cover letter and writing sample to create a single PDF and submit the resume PDF separately. No more than two attachments, including the resume, can be submitted as part of the application.

The deadline for the application is 7:00 pm Eastern on 24 March 2025.

Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The IISS is an equal-opportunities employer.