1

Graduate Research Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Intern will use their skills to engage and train young people to conduct systematic research to ... Graduate coursework focused on education, public policy, psychology, or related social science ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Research Intern information

What is a graduate research intern?

A Graduate Research Intern is a graduate student who temporarily works in a research setting, such as a university lab, private company, or government agency, to gain practical experience in their field of study. Their primary role is to assist with ongoing research projects, conduct experiments, analyze data, and sometimes contribute to scholarly publications. This internship helps students apply theoretical knowledge from their coursework to real-world research challenges, build professional networks, and enhance their academic and career prospects. Graduate Research Internships are typically short-term and may be paid or unpaid, depending on the institution and funding.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate research interns, and how can they be effectively managed?

Graduate Research Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to new research methodologies, balancing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, and navigating the expectations of both academic and industry mentors. Effective communication with supervisors and proactive time management are key to overcoming these hurdles. Building strong relationships with team members and seeking feedback regularly can also help interns develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to research projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate research intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Intern, you need strong analytical abilities, research methodology knowledge, and typically enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature review tools, and sometimes laboratory equipment is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, adaptability, and teamwork are valuable soft skills for collaborating on research projects and presenting findings. These competencies ensure effective contribution to research objectives, high-quality results, and professional development in academic or industry settings.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Intern vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research InternResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant graduate programUndergraduate or graduate student, often with relevant coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, universitiesUniversities, research centers, sometimes industry
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academic and research institutionsUniversities, government agencies, private research firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles for graduate studentsClarifying research support roles in academic settings

The main difference is that Graduate Research Interns are typically enrolled in or recent graduates of graduate programs, focusing on gaining research experience during their studies. Research Assistants may be undergraduate or graduate students supporting ongoing research projects. Interns often have structured programs with specific learning objectives, while Research Assistants usually work more regularly within academic research teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research Intern jobs in Washington?

For Graduate Research Intern jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Graduate Research Intern jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Graduate Research Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Intern job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

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

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Part-time, Internship

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

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 go beyond the headlines to examine China's macroeconomy, trends in industrial policy and specific high-tech sectors, its trade and investment, the energy transition, U.S.-China relations, and China's role in global economic governance. Our analysis is shared with the policy community, business leaders, scholars, and the public through reports and commentaries, interactive digital content, and events. We generate new conversations among stakeholders in the United States, China, and other countries by convening discussions on the factors influencing their decisions.

The Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics is seeking a part-time paid research intern who can provide dedicated support for research and analysis, during the period from early September to mid-December 2026. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, professional, and have a strong interest in China's economy, industrial policy, and clean tech. The research intern supports the program's research agenda, publications, events, and promotional activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Carrying out quantitative and qualitative research on China's industrial policy and specific sectors. This involves collecting data from firms, industries, and government of China and elsewhere.
  • Assisting in collecting and organizing data including but not limited to macroeconomic, trade, and financial data for China and other major economies.
  • Writing event summaries.
  • Drafting text and creating figures for program promotion, such as newsletters and social media content.
  • Providing logistical and administrative support for projects and events.
  • Performing a variety of other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCEย ย 
  • Must demonstrate academic or professional background in China's economy, political economy, international trade and finance, and/or clean technology.
  • Must have strong Chinese language skills and preferably experience in working with Chinese language sources.
  • 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 work on-site and commit to 20 hours per week.
  • Must have strong research, analysis, writing, and communication skills.
  • Must have familiarity with Excel as well as data collection, cleaning, and visualization experience.
  • Must have the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
  • Must have the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines.
  • Data analysis and web scraping skills are a plus.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications are due on Friday, July 19, and should be submitted through the CSIS Careers & Culture portal. The review process will continue until the position is filled. All applicants must submit the following documents, as a single PDF file under the "Resume" field: ย 

  1. Resume
  2. Cover letter.
  3. A writing sample (max 5 pages) related to China's economy, economic policy or international commercial relations.
  4. Academic transcript (official or unofficial).
  5. Contact info for 3 references (name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number).