The Wilson Center seeks Research Assistants to support its incoming 2026–2027 class of Research Fellows. The fellows are a competitively selected group of academics, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals whose nonpartisan scholarship fulfills the Center’s Congressional mandate to bridge the worlds of learning and public affairs. 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 Assistants will work remotely part-time (10-20 hours per week) under the direct supervision of an assigned Research Fellow. If interns are based in D.C., they have the option to work in person at the Center's D.C. office. The internship duration will align with the fall 2026 academic semester, and may be renewed for the spring 2027 academic semester. Research Assistants may also have the opportunity to work with two Research Fellows for a maximum of 35 hours per week. 

This is a paid internship position.

Eligibility

The Wilson Center invites applications from current or recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in international affairs, political science, history, economics, regional studies, and related disciplines:  

Successful candidates should possess: 

• Strong research and writing skills: Experience conducting policy-oriented research and working extensively with primary sources.
• Analytical capacity: Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with the ability to navigate policy documents and regional source material.
• Organizational excellence: Excellent time management skills and organizational skills, with the demonstrated ability to perform tasks remotely.
• Subject matter interest: A strong background or interest in international affairs, regional politics, security, or development. 

Preferred Regional & Technical Skillsets 

The Wilson Center particularly invites applications from individuals with one or more of the following specialized skillsets: 

• East Asia: Proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin) and familiarity with the history, politics, economics, technology, and/or security of China and Taiwan.
• Middle East: Proficiency in Arabic and familiarity with Middle Eastern and North African history, politics, security, and/or economics.
• Eurasia: Proficiency in Russian and/or Ukrainian and familiarity with the history, politics, and/or economics of the former Soviet space.
• Polar Regions: Familiarity with the politics, economics, and security of the Arctic region.
• Data Management and Technical Skills: Experience cleaning datasets, organizing research materials, and coding interviews or focus group discussions (FGDs). Familiarity with AI tools or data science skills is a distinct plus. 
  
   

International students studying in the US 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 (or CPT/OPT) 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 US 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.
 

Important Dates

Applications for the Fall 2026 term is now open, please see below for the application process. Research assistant interns will begin their appointment in early September. Selected interns will be notified no later than August 17th. 

Most scholars arrive and interns start their internships at the beginning of a semester (January, June, September). However, the Intern Coordinator can work individually with students or schools on a quarter system schedule.

Application Process

To apply, applicants will need to submit the materials listed below via email to internship@wilsoncenter.org by July 24, 2026. Applicants SHOULD NOT contact scholars directly. Candidacy will be considered only on the basis of completed applications. 

Application materials include: 

Cover Letter (indicating areas of interest, including specific scholars) 

Current Resume  

3-5 page Writing Sample (excerpts of a research paper are acceptable) with bibliography 

Transcript(s) (unofficial copies are acceptable) 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.