Intern - Japan Chair (Spring 2026)

Job Summary

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.

CSIS is seeking one intern to support the Japan Chair. The Japan Chair was established to provide a venue in Washington for the study of U.S.-Japan relations and increasing mutual understanding. As Japan's role in regional and global affairs continues to grow, the Japan Chair is charting a new direction to define a strategic agenda for the U.S.-Japan relationship in a bilateral, regional, and global context. The current research agenda covers a broad range of themes including Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy, U.S.-Japan security and economic ties, and U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

• Conduct research on issues animating Japanese politics, U.S.-Japan relations and U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific
• Draft research memos, presentations, reports, event summaries and other materials for program staff
• Provide logistical and administrative support for program events and research projects
• Perform other general tasks to support office functions
  
  

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Must be at least a college junior, graduate student, or recent graduate in Japan studies, International Affairs, or Political Science with a demonstrated interest in the Indo-Pacific region
• 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
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Strong communication, research, and writing skills
• Familiarity with Japanese foreign/defense policy and U.S.-Japan relations
• Ability to conduct research using Japanese original sources
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines
  
  

Physical requirements and work conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.



How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, academic transcripts, and a short writing sample at https://careers.csis.org/. ;

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

Apply

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

Apply

About Us

CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.