Research Intern - Korea Chair (Fall 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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Office of the Korea Chair is devoted to building an active policy research program in Washington, DC on the Korean peninsula. The CSIS Korea Chair conducts independent policy research on issues critical to the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Asia more broadly; convenes public and private sector stakeholders in Washington and Seoul; and advances a greater understanding of Korean policy issues to policymakers and the public at large. Korea Chair interns gain experience in the areas of professional writing development, policy-research, data collection, social media and event planning. Due to our fast-paced work environment, interns should be motivated self-starters able to engage in a wide variety of logistical tasks, event management assistance, and research/writing work. We are hiring two full-time interns. Only in extraordinary circumstances will part-time interns be considered.

We are specifically looking for interns with experience or coursework in at least one of the following areas:

Compiling and coding qualitative data

Geospatial analysis (including ship and aircraft tracking)

Conducting policy research

Korean language ability is strongly preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor current events related to the Korean peninsula and write weekly policy issue briefs on topics including, but not limited to, unification planning, South Korean domestic politics, trade, & economics, the U.S.-Korea alliance, North Korea, and regional relations

Compile and code qualitative data on topics including North Korean provocations, North Korea-Russian cooperation, and media coverage for Korea Chair events and publications

Create promotional and news-related content for the Korea Chair's Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram, and Threads accounts

Gather, organize, and input data on infrastructure projects and related primary source documents

Provide logistical and administrative support, including social media outreach, contact database management and event statistics tracking

Assist in developing the Korea Chair's biweekly podcasts, The Impossible State and The Capital Cable through social media promotion and brainstorming questions

Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing

Assist in background research for staff

Assist in research and writing for articles, conference reports, event summaries, grant proposals, and other such projects as dictated by program needs

Assist in social media posting across Bluesky, Instagram and Twitter/X

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

Excellent attention to detail, good organizational abilities, professional demeanor, general office skills and strong computer skills

Have a demonstrated interest in the Korean peninsula and Asia

Experience or coursework in compiling and coding qualitative data, designing data visualizations, and/or database management

Good social media (Bluesky, Twitter/X, Threads & Instagram)

Canva, Excel and coding skills preferred

Possess strong writing and research skills

Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills

Possess good understanding of the research with and usage of primary sources

Willingness to complete administrative and logistical tasks

Ability to work independently as well as closely with a team with a strong work ethic

Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines

Be at least a junior in an undergraduate degree program and 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

Eligible to work in the United States

Ability to commit to working 35 hours per week

Korean language ability strongly preferred

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.