Spring Intern, Japan Chair

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The CSIS Japan Chair program was established in 1981 with the mission to be the leading source of policy-relevant research on Japan, the U.S.-Japan alliance, and Japan’s leadership on the global stage. It conducts wide-ranging research on challenges facing the U.S. and Japan and opportunities for the two countries to cooperate bilaterally and with other regional and global partners to find shared solutions. The program’s current research agenda covers Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy and U.S.-Japan cooperation on issues related to defense, trade, investment, and economic security, as well as U.S.-Japan engagement with Indo-Pacific and European partners.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Conduct research and monitor current events on issues related to the Japan Chair research portfolio

Draft research memos, presentations, reports, event summaries, and other materials for program staff

Gather, organize, and code data

Provide logistical and administrative support for program events and research projects

Perform other general tasks to support office functions

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Must be at least a college junior, graduate student, or recent graduate in Japan Studies, International Affairs, or Political Science with a demonstrated interest in the Indo-Pacific region

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

Ability to commit to working 35 hours per week

Eligible to work in the United States

Strong communication, research, and writing skills

Familiarity with Japanese foreign/defense policy and U.S.-Japan relations

Ability to work independently and within a team

Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines

Japanese language proficiency sufficient to conduct research using Japanese sources preferred

Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative methods preferred

Experience with social media (LinkedIn, X, Bluesky) and Canva preferred

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, academic transcripts, and a short writing sample at https://www.csis.org/about/careers-culture/careers by November 20, 2026.

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.