Intern - Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics (Summer 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) • Washington, DC

18h • Onsite

About The Position

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 mid-May 2026 to early September 2026. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, professional, and have a strong interest in Chinese politics and economics, and industrial policy.

Requirements

• Must be at least a current undergraduate senior. Current graduate students preferred. Must have 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.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must be able to be on-site.
• Must be able to commit to 20 hours per week.
• Must have strong research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Must have familiarity with Excel as well as data collection, cleaning, and visualization experience.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Must have the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Must demonstrate academic or professional background in China’s political economy, international trade and finance, macroeconomy or technology.

Nice To Haves

• Data analysis and web scraping skills are a plus.
• The Trustee Chair is seeking to hire at least one intern with strong Chinese-language skills, the second intern will ideally have strong skills in collecting and analyzing data. Lack of Chinese-language skills is not disqualifying for applicants with other relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assist in collecting and organizing data including but not limited to macroeconomic, trade, and financial data for China and other major 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern