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Graduate Research Intern Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Must be enrollment in a graduate program. 2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience ... Cover letter - Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and why you'd like to intern ...

Must be enrollment in a graduate program. 2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience ... Cover letter - Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and why you'd like to intern ...

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Graduate Research Intern information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$2.2K

$6.7K

$8.1K

How much do graduate research intern jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average monthly pay for graduate research intern in Silver Spring, MD is $6,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,566.67 and $7,925.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Intern jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Intern jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Graduate Research Intern jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Graduate Research Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Intern job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,884 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Research Intern (Summer 2027)

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE
Are you passionate about making an impact on national security through deep, meaningful research? We're looking for interns to join CNA in summer of 2027! As a CNA Research Intern, you'll be embedded in real study teams, contributing directly to projects that support our nation's defense and security. Interns will take on a self-contained research project or support multiple ongoing studies, gaining hands-on experience in applying rigorous analysis to critical real-world challenges.
What You'll Do:
• Collaborate with expert researchers and analysts tackling complex national security issues
• Contribute to high-impact projects that inform defense policy and operations
• Present findings and insights to internal teams and potentially external stakeholders
Who We're Looking For:
• Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees (master's or PhD)
• Strong interest in policy research, national defense, or security studies
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Why Choose CNA?
• Work alongside mission-driven experts in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment
• Gain mentorship and networking opportunities that last far beyond the internship
Ready to make a difference? Apply by November 30, 2026, and take the first step toward an internship experience that matters.
To learn more about our internship program, click here - CNA Internship Program.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES
1. Assist in the process of defining and structuring analytical problems.
2. Develop sound analytical techniques.
3. Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.
4. Communicate results both in writing and orally.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Education: Must have a Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline. Must be enrollment in a graduate program.
2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience, including conducting literature searches, analyses, and writing reports is required. Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred.
3. Skills: Must have experience with database manipulation and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; critical thinking and organizational skills.
4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. US citizenship is required.
5. Remote/Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements.
Required Documents (Preference will be given to candidates who include these)
  1. Resume - Please upload your resume
  2. Cover letter - Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and why you'd like to intern with CNA
  3. Transcripts - Please upload your transcripts - unofficial copies are ok

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.
CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster", "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.