Summer Research Assistant Intern

The Wilson Center is currently looking for a research assistant to assist Robin Wright on her project: “The Middle East at a Crossroads—from North Africa to the Persian Gulf.” (Arabic or Persian)

Research assistant interns are talented undergraduate or graduate students who combine part-time hours at the Center with their studies and other activities. Students in this role typically provide 12-15 hours of research assistance each week per scholar (the number of hours can be adjusted accordingly to fulfill academic requirements). This experience is invaluable for students wishing to develop a deeper understanding of their field of study. In addition to assisting with their scholars' research projects, interns have the opportunity to network with experts in their chosen fields, attend events on relevant topics, and explore how research and public policy intertwine in Washington.

Research Assistant internship opportunities are offered year-round, and are generally consistent with academic semesters. Most research assistants complete an internship for academic credit. Students are encouraged to apply for independent grants or scholarships through their schools or outside sources to financially support them during their internship appointment. 

Most scholars who come to the Wilson Center spend their time carrying out research, writing books, and making public presentations. Research assistant interns have the unique opportunity to work directly with these experts, as they examine issues of contemporary public policy or explore topics that provide the historical context behind today’s pressing policy debates. The Wilson Center hosts a diverse cohort of scholars each year, including distinguished university professors, journalists, current and former government officials (such as diplomats and ambassadors) or occasionally executives from the private sector. 

In support of the scholars, Research Assistants spend much of their time searching for information using the Wilson Center Library's resources. Other duties include proofreading, editing, compiling bibliographies, writing literature reviews, summarizing research materials, etc. Less than 20% of these tasks are administrative. Consequently, a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision are strong assets. Foreign language skills are oftentimes useful, and should be noted in the application.

While at the Center, all interns are encouraged to fully assimilate into the Wilson Center's community, and go beyond their particular internship responsibilities and to attend our many panel discussions, conferences, symposia, and social events.

This opportunity is open to highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent). Applicants must be current students, recent graduates (within one calendar year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization. All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at the Center.

The Wilson Center does NOT sponsor visas for interns. International students that are not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1/J-1 visa must go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor their visa.

New scholars are consistently arriving at the Wilson Center, and it can be difficult to predict what specific projects will be carried out in the future. For that reason, all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Scholars needing assistance:

Robin Wright, Former Washington Post Journalist and Joint Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace and Woodrow Wilson Center. “The Middle East at a Crossroads—from North Africa to the Persian Gulf.” (Arabic or Persian)

The WWICS Internship Application Form and detailed instructions can be found at:

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/research-assistant-internships

The application materials consist of:

v a completed WWICS Internship Application Form

v Cover Letter (indicating academic interests or areas of interest)

v Current Resume (indicating relevant coursework)

v 3-to-5 page Writing Sample or excerpt of a recent research paper with separate Works

Cited page

v 2 Letters of Recommendation (do not have to be sealed by recommender); highlighting writing, research, and/or language skills would be helpful; *if you don’t have recommendation letters readily available, please include three references

v Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)

Please submit your application materials in ONE COMPLETE PDF (with file named as Last Name, First Initial_RA Application) via email to Elinor Harty at internships@wilsoncenter.org. Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be considered.