Research Intern, Democratizing Foreign Policy Program

The Quincy Institute (QI) Internship Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds to engage in career exploration and development. The mission of QI’s Internship Program is to provide students and recent graduates a meaningful and practical work experience related to the student’s field of study or career interest. Interns will have the opportunity to attend internal meetings, attend external as well as QI events online or in-person.
Democratizing Foreign Policy Intern
The Institute is seeking a research intern for our Democratizing Foreign Policy program, where the intern will work on the issues of Pentagon spending, the global arms trade, and the ways in which foreign governments seek to influence U.S. foreign policy. Candidates should have an interest in these issues as well as strong research and writing skills. 
Pay
Interns will be able to work remotely or from the Quincy Institute’s Washington, DC office. The pay for this position is $17.95 per hour and is for an average of 19 hours per week. The initial term of the internship is three months but can be extended based on performance.
Closing Date
The application closes on November 1, 2025 (11:59 pm). To be considered, applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (preferably a non-academic writing sample).

Responsibilities

• Research and writing of op-eds and blog posts as neededResearch on U.S. policies relating to arms transfers, including consequences of U.S. sales and statistical research on major arms suppliers
• Research on foreign governments and Pentagon contractors lobbying for arms sales
• Research on U.S. national security strategy and force posture with an eye towards crafting alternative approaches
• Conduct primary research on Pentagon contractors and the economic impacts of Pentagon spending for reports and policy briefs
• Investigate the influence of the military industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy

Requirements

• Candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in political science, international relations, regional studies, or a related field, or be a recent graduate in these areas
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to work with and interpret primary documents 
• Basic skills in data collection, database management, and basic statistical analysis 
• Exemplary attention to detail and excellent writing skills (a record of published writing is preferred)
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the restraint-oriented approach of the Quincy Institute and thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment
• Proficient in basic technical skills, including Google Suite
• Advanced understanding of data analysis and using generative AI for research

About the Quincy Institute
The Quincy Institute is a public policy think tank in Washington, DC, founded in 2019 whose mission is to promote ideas that move US foreign policy away from endless war and toward vigorous diplomacy and forward-looking economic engagement, based on the grand strategy of Restraint. It envisions a world where peace is the norm, war the exception, and the United States a leading source of healthy ideas and influence. The Institute operates independently of any political party.
The Quincy Institute is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.