About the Wilson Center

The Commons Lab of the Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is currently seeking research interns for Summer 2012 and Fall 2012/Spring 2013. STIP analyzes the evolving implications of such emerging technologies as synthetic biology, crisis informatics, nanotechnology, and geoengineering. STIP’s research also explores prediction markets and serious games. The program provides critical yet nonpartisan research for the policymaking community and guides officials in the design of new governance frameworks. It gauges crucial public support for science and weighs the overall risks and benefits of technology for society at large.

Project Areas: Rapidly evolving information and communications technologies (ICT), like social media and mobile phones, as well as new methodologies such as crowdsourcing, have placed the extraordinary power of mass collaboration into the hands of individuals, governments, and businesses.  The Commons Lab (http://stipcommunia.wordpress.com/about) advances research and policy analysis on these new technologies, which are giving people the tools to mobilize “digital volunteers” to support humanitarian aid and disaster response (crisis informatics), collect actionable scientific data (citizen-based science), innovate, and enhance citizen engagement in public decision-making and governance. Interns will work closely with a small, interdisciplinary team on this initiative. 

• Applicant(s) should be enrolled as a graduate student (preferred),senior undergraduate, or law student (or have graduated within the last year) with a background or interest in science and technology policy, as well as humanitarian aid, disaster management and/or citizen-based science.
• Applicants should have strong research and organizational skills, be creative, and be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include: conducting qualitative research and policy analysis, writing/editing, compiling a crosscut federal R&D budget for crisis informatics, planning events and workshops, writing blog posts and using social media tools, locating inter-library loan materials, compiling bibliographies, and performing administrative tasks and other duties.
• Solid writing, research, and computer skills are a must.
• The summer internship is expected to last for at least three months, with the possibility of extension, from 12 to 35 hours per week with flexible scheduling.  Compensation may be available.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Lea Shanley (Lea.Shanley@wilsoncenter.org) with INTERN in the subject line.  Applications for Summer 2012 will be accepted through May 10. Applications for Fall 2012/ Spring 2013 will accepted through July 15.