Intern - China Power Project (Spring 2026)

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 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS China Power Project seeks a research intern to support the program's work during the Spring of 2026. There is one (1) available full-time position for an internship of at least three months starting in early January, with the potential to extend the internship to a maximum of six months total.

Our project utilizes quantitative and qualitative tools to examine the evolving nature of China's power through data-driven analysis. Our team conducts research on Chinese foreign policy, China's PLA and security policy, U.S.-China relations, cross-Strait relations, Chinese technology and economic policy, maritime security, and the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture.

This is a fast-paced work environment, and we are looking for a motivated self-starter that can engage in a wide variety of analytic and logistical work. This is a hybrid position, with the expectation that at least 3 days of the week will consist of in-person work at the CSIS offices.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master's degree).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

• Assist with research and data analysis for reports, articles, presentations, and podcast episodes
• Create datasets and data visualizations
• Proofread and edit a variety of content
• Maintain the program's active social media presence
• Monitor, track, and report on events across the Indo-Pacific region, especially those dealing with China
• Provide logistical and administrative support for events and meetings
• Assist with event planning
• Perform a variety of other project-related duties as assigned

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Preference will be given to current or recent master's degree students, ideally in the field of political science, international affairs, Asia studies, China studies, security studies, or a related field
• Must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution
• Native or advanced proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is strongly preferred
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and commit to 40 hours per week
• Must have previous experience with collecting, curating, and analyzing data
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Must have the ability to work independently with minimal oversight
• Must have demonstrated experience managing competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Previous experience in copy-editing preferred

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.
 

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, university transcript(s), and writing sample at The deadline for applying is November 14, 2025.

To submit an application for this position, click the "Apply" button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

Apply

To submit an application for this position, click the "Apply" button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

Apply

About Us
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center's 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.