Intern - Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics (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 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 examine trends in Chinese industrial policy, its overall economic performance, and developments in key sectors, its financial sector, international trade and supply chains, and the political economy of clean-tech and climate governance. Our analysis is shared with the policy community, business leaders, scholars, and the public through reports, commentaries, interactive digital content, events, and briefings.

The Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics is seeking two part-time paid research interns who can provide dedicated support for research and analysis, during the period from January 2025 to May 2025. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, professional, and have a strong interest in Chinese politics and economics, and industrial policy. The research intern supports the program's research agenda, engagement events, and promotional activities.

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 :

• Collecting data on industrial policy, including firm-level data and government budgets in China and other economies.
• Conducting research on industrial policy-related literature and news in China and other economies.
• Assisting in qualitative and quantitative research, analysis, and writing for publications.
• Writing event summaries.
• Providing logistical and administrative support for projects and events.
• Drafting communications materials for program promotion, such as newsletters and social media content.
• Performing a variety of other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE :

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 :

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. All applicants must submit the following documents. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Not submitting all the documents listed below will result in the application not being reviewed.

Please apply at https : / / careers.csis.org / by no later than November 7th, 2026.

1. Resume.

2. Cover letter.

3. A writing sample. A complete writing sample related to either China's economy, politics, or policies OR topics relevant to industrial policy anywhere in the world (no more than 5 pages).

4. Academic transcript (official or unofficial).

5. List of 3 references (including each reference's name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number).