Science and Technology Innovation Internships at the Wilson Center
The Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) focuses on bringing foresight to the frontier, exploring emerging technologies through vital conversations that are not just for scientists. Internships with STIP are designed to provide the opportunity for practical experience in science and technology in an environment that successfully combines scholarship with public policy. Interns will gain valuable experience in various projects including publication research and preparation, academic research, and administrative assignments in support of both STIP and Wilson Center activities.
The Wilson Center is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of interns.
Due to the global pandemic, our internship positions are currently virtual.
Students should consult with academic faculty to determine if this unpaid experience will earn credit.
Application Deadlines: Fall Internship: August 1st 2021
We have an active portfolio of emerging technology issues for our research internships:
- Artificial Intelligence, specifically Facial Recognition Technology (FrT), security concerns, policy impact and the Wilson Center Technology Labs.
- Cybersecurity, specifically working with the Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Program on projects such as ransomware, global cooperation, and more.
- Open science, specifically to support the existing and future work of initiatives focusing on low-cost and open hardware and citizen science. See our THING Tank page for examples of recent work and listing below.
- Space, specifically as aligned with other topical areas, such as security, infrastructure, and/or international development, who would report directly to the Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Program.
- Serious games or game-based learning, specifically as aligned to the development of games for science and policy education, who would report directly to the Director of the Serious Games Initiative.
- Public Communication of Science and communication support. See Communication & Design Internship below.
Due to the nature of these topic areas, it is highly recommend that before applying, applicants take a look at our website and determine if their interests align with our portfolio of work.
There are multiple internship positions with the Science and Technology Innovation Program available. It is advised to carefully read the instructions located on our website before submitting an application.
For all internships, please submit all application materials to Elizabeth Newbury at Elizabeth.Newbury@wilsoncenter.org. Please specify in the subject line the intended time period for your internship with [SEMESTER] [YEAR] and the type of internship you are applying for e.g. “FALL 2021 Communication & Design Internship/Research Internship”. If there is a specific topic area or project, please note that in the subject line of the email, e.g. 'SPRING 2021 Research Internship for Serious Games' or otherwise clearly state the focus points in the cover letter.
Due to the sheer volume of applications we receive, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. To ensure your consideration, please submit only a completed application.
A completed application will have the following materials, compiled into a single PDF. Please label your file with your name.
- Cover letter explaining your interest in STIP and the associated areas
- CV/Resume
- A brief strong writing sample demonstrating your work in science and technology research.
International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization. All international students must obtain written permission from their designated school official or responsible officer for visas at their university stating they have valid immigration status and are eligible to intern at the Wilson Center. The Wilson Center is not able to sponsor visas for interns. If you are an international student not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa, then you must go through a university exchange program or an outside organization that will sponsor your visa. You must have the appropriate visa to apply for this internship.