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Research Assistant Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NABCA

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The intern will assist the Public Policy Team's work to promote public health and safety with control jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, members, and communities. The Public Policy Research ...

EdTrust

P-12 Research and Data Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The Intern will use their skills to engage and train young people to conduct systematic research to ... Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: * Assist in planning a ...

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Research Assistant Intern information

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$26

How much do research assistant intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant intern in Washington is $19.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research assistant intern?

Research Assistant Interns are typically students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of experienced researchers to assist with various aspects of academic, scientific, or market research projects. Their duties often include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing reports, and supporting the overall research process. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management, helping individuals build skills relevant to their academic and professional goals.

What types of projects and daily tasks can a research assistant intern expect to work on?

As a Research Assistant Intern, you can expect to support ongoing research projects by conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting with the preparation of reports or presentations. Your daily tasks may include organizing datasets, running basic statistical analyses, and collaborating with other team members or faculty to ensure accurate results. Interns often participate in team meetings to discuss research progress and may have opportunities to present their findings. This role offers a hands-on introduction to research methodologies and is an excellent stepping stone for those considering a future in academia or research-driven industries.

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

To succeed as a Research Assistant Intern, you generally need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and foundational knowledge in your field of study, often supported by current enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel, SPSS, or R), research databases, and citation management systems is typically expected. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help interns collaborate effectively and contribute to research projects. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, reliable research outcomes, and efficient project support in an academic or professional research setting.

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

AspectResearch Assistant InternResearch Associate
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a bachelor's degreeUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, academic labs, research institutionsFull-time research roles in labs, universities, or industry
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizations, internshipsUniversities, research firms, industry R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Assistant Intern and a Research Associate lies in experience level and employment status. Interns are often students gaining initial research exposure, while Research Associates are more experienced, holding relevant degrees and working full-time. Both roles support research projects but differ in responsibilities and career stage.

Do research assistant interns get paid?

Research assistant interns are often paid, especially if the internship is part of a formal program or academic requirement. Compensation can vary depending on the organization, location, and whether the internship is paid or unpaid; some internships also offer stipends or academic credit instead of monetary pay.

Is it hard to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research assistant intern position can be competitive, often requiring relevant coursework, strong academic performance, and good organizational skills. Candidates with experience in data collection, analysis, or familiarity with research tools like SPSS or MATLAB may have an advantage. The difficulty varies depending on the field, location, and the specific organization’s requirements.

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

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

Research Assistant Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Intern job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,767 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Research Assistant

Washington, DC • On-site

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.external

$21.75 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Center for the Industrial Base (CIB) is hiring a junior researcher for a 35-hour per week, in-person, paid position. CIB provides analysis on the critical issues at the cross-section of the U.S. government, the U.S. industrial base, and long-term strategic competition. CIB monitors important developments in the global defense industry, with a particular focus on DOD and federal industrial base challenges; government contracting trends in defense, civilian agencies, and international markets; industry-government collaboration; and international industrial cooperation. Through years of analytical research, CIB has strengthened its capabilities to draw from large databases to present information in a clear, meaningful way. CIB also collaborates with other teams at CSIS on a variety of research topics. 

CIB's research efforts focus on a variety of topics, including: 

  • The industrial base 
  • Manufacturing security and resilience 
  • International industrial cooperation 
  • Industrial base trends 
  • Improving government-industry collaboration  
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Junior researchers at CIB bolster the team with a variety of core research and analytical skills. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Assists with research and analysis 
  • Writes comprehensive reviews of background literature for projects 
  • Copy-edits papers 
  • Assists with data collection and management 
  • Note-taking and writing summaries of events and meetings 
  • Assists with event planning and staffing 
  • Assists with Intern Hiring and Supervision 
  • quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, in particular multilevel/hierarchical models or other social science large dataset research methods 
  • managing large datasets, i.e. SQL databases, Azure, and machine learning  
  • programming language proficiency for above topics and visualization, R preferred 
  • economic analysis 
  • grant and proposal writing  

For research assistant/associate positions: 

  • Collaborates with program leadership in developing projects, writing proposals serving as a primary and/or contributing author for program reports 
  • Monitors trends and developments in program interest areas, and provides updates to program staff 
  • Assists with publication layout and dissemination 
  • Supports the execution of program events and activities, including managing event series 
  • Other administrative tasks as needed 
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
  • B.A./B.S. for Research Assistant or Research Associate; Degree in Political Science, International Relation, Economics, or related fields 
  • 0-2 years experience; Strong knowledge and experience on national and international security issues preferred 
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and present information clearly and efficiently; Comfort with standard quantitative tool (e.g. Excel) and graphing 
  • Superior writing and analytical skills 
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines 
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, both when independent or on a team 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SKILLS 

  • Familiarity or demonstrated interest in defense or national security research 
  • Proficiency with databases  
OUR BENEFITS

Medical insurance 
Dental insurance 
Vision insurance
Life insurance Short-term and long-term disability
403(b) for retirement planning
Tuition Assistance
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
12 Paid Holidays
Sick Leave
Vacation leave 

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