Research Intern - Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics (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 Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics provides unmatched thought leadership for the Washington policy community by examining China’s economy and its commercial relationship with the United States and the rest of the world. We go beyond the headlines to examine China’s macroeconomy, trends in industrial policy and specific high-tech sectors, its trade and investment, the energy transition, U.S.-China relations, and China’s role in global economic governance. Our analysis is shared with the policy community, business leaders, scholars, and the public through reports and commentaries, interactive digital content, and events. We generate new conversations among stakeholders in the United States, China, and other countries by convening discussions on the factors influencing their decisions.

The Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics is seeking a part-time paid research intern who can provide dedicated support for research and analysis, during the period from early September to mid-December 2026 . The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, professional, and have a strong interest in China’s economy, industrial policy, and clean tech. The research intern supports the program's research agenda, publications, events, and promotional activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Carrying out quantitative and qualitative research on China’s industrial policy and specific sectors. This involves collecting data from firms, industries, and government of China and elsewhere.

Assisting in collecting and organizing data including but not limited to macroeconomic, trade, and financial data for China and other major economies.

Writing event summaries.

Drafting text and creating figures for program promotion, such as newsletters and social media content.

Providing logistical and administrative support for projects and events.

Performing a variety of other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

Must demonstrate academic or professional background in China’s economy, political economy, international trade and finance, and/or clean technology.

Must have strong Chinese language skills and preferably experience in working with Chinese language sources.

Must be at least a current undergraduate senior. Current graduate students preferred. 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.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Must be able to work on-site and commit to 20 hours per week.

Must have strong research, analysis, writing, and communication skills.

Must have familiarity with Excel as well as data collection, cleaning, and visualization experience.

Must have the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Must have the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Data analysis and web scraping skills are a plus.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications are due on Friday, July 19, and should be submitted through the CSIS Careers & Culture portal. The review process will continue until the position is filled. All applicants must submit the following documents, as a single PDF file under the "Resume" field:

Resume

Cover letter.

A writing sample (max 5 pages) related to China’s economy, economic policy or international commercial relations.

Academic transcript (official or unofficial).

Contact info for 3 references (name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number).

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.