Internships

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, not-for-profit policy research organization located in Arlington, Virginia. Established in 1994, the Potomac Institute's goal is to identify and aggressively shepherd discussions on key science and technology (S&T) issues facing our society, providing in particular, an academic forum for the study of related policy issues. From these discussions and forums, we develop meaningful S&T policy options and ensure their implementation at the intersection of business and government. The Institute's current endeavors have required the formation of special efforts in: terrorism and asymmetry, emerging threats and opportunities, science and technology policy and forecasting, robotics, homeland security, and national security.

Internships with the Potomac Institute are unpaid. The Institute is easily accessible by Metro.

Science and Technology Policy Internships

Hardworking and bright interns will have the opportunity to assist with Institute's research and technical operations, attend Institute seminars and conferences, and develop personal academic interests. Internship responsibilities include research assistance and administrative support, conference and event coordination, editorial and publication assistance, and database development.

Duties include supporting senior staff in the following activities: conducting research, developing a keen understanding of the impact of science upon our society, compiling bibliographies and chronologies, summarizing research materials as directed, collecting and assembling data, copy editing and proofreading, supporting conferences and events, and administrative work to help meet the objectives of the Potomac Institute.

Individuals enrolled in or having completed university studies with a specific interest in science and technology, public policy, and national security are encouraged to apply. We are seeking interns from diverse academic backgrounds, including those with experience in the sciences, engineering, political science, legislative affairs, international affairs, security studies, history, public policy, operations research, robotics, neuroscience, and ethics.

Candidates should have research experience, writing and editing proficiency, good database skills, strong MS Office skills and Internet research skills. Excellent organizational and communication skills are mandatory as is the ability to prioritize a heavy workload. Professional attire is required, and expected.

Interns are expected to work a minimum of 15 hours a week. The internships are unpaid. If you are currently enrolled in an academic program, we will assist in your effort to receive course credit. To apply, or for more information, please send a letter of interest with a current copy of your resume and a writing sample to Kathryn Schiller Wurster, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. For information on the Center for Neurotechnology Studies' Visiting Scholars program, click here.

Internships: International Center for Terrorism Studies

Internship Program at ICTS

The International Center for Terrorism Studies (ICTS) is an independent, not-for-profit policy research institute associated with the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, located in Arlington, Virginia. Established in 1994, the activities of ICTS are guided by an International Research Council that offers recommendations for the study of all aspects of terrorism. ICTS is also affiliated with: the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies; the Inter-University Center for Information Warfare and Cyber-Terrorism Studies; the Inter-University Center for Science and Technology Studies; and the Inter-University Center for Legal Studies (International Law Institute, Washington, D.C.).

Purpose and Scope

There exists the need to educate policymakers, and the public in general, on the nature and intensity of the terrorism threat in the twenty-first century. As a member of the academic and research community, the ICTS has an intellectual obligation, as well as a moral and practical responsibility, to participate in the international counterterrorism effort. The purpose of the ICTS therefore, is four-fold:

1. To monitor current and future threats of terrorism;
2. To develop response strategies on governmental and non-governmental levels;
3. To effect continual communication with policy-makers, academic institutions, business, media, and civic organizations; and
4. To sponsor research programs on critical issues, particularly those relating enabling technologies with policy, and share the findings nationally and internationally.

Activities

ICTS has sponsored, co-sponsored, and participated in hundreds of seminars, briefings, and conferences in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, India, Israel, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Ukraine. In addition, ICTS published 40 books and 18 reports on topics including Super Terrorism: Biological, Chemical, and Nuclear; Terrorism and the Law; terrorist group profiles of ETA (Spain) and Usama bin Laden's al-Qaida; Terrorism: U.S. Perspectives; Information Warfare and Cyber-Terrorism; Terrorism and Business; and Legal Aspects of Terrorism in the United States. ICTS activities have been covered extensively by television, radio and press in over 40 countries.

Call for Students

ICTS Internship Description: internship responsibilities include research assistance, conference coordination, editorial and publication assistance, and database development.

Duties include: monitoring developments and conducting research on terrorism and counterterrorism over the past two decades, peace processes, regional insurgencies and ethnic conflicts, terrorism and law, etc., developing and maintaining a database on terrorism and regional developments; compiling bibliographies and chronologies, and summarizing research materials as directed; collecting and assembling data; copy editing and proofreading; providing a full range of administrative support to ICTS (95% research based, 5% administrative support).

Requirements: 3.0 or higher GPA with a background or interest in terrorism, ethnic conflict, political violence, international affairs, history, public policy, computer science and law are preferred, though others accepted. Foreign language and international experience are desired. Candidates should have relevant research, writing and editing experience, excellent organization and communication skills, strong MS Office and Internet research skills, and the ability to prioritize a heavy workload. Professional attire is expected. Interns are expected to work at least 4-5 days a week for Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

Deadlines

Applications should be sent by the following deadlines:

Semester Deadline
Spring
(January to May)                          November 20
Summer
(May to September)                      March 20
Fall
(September to December)              July 20

Contact

To apply for the internship position, please send a complete application package via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , including:

1. A letter of interest
2. Current resume
3. 1-2 page writing sample
4. Unofficial transcript
5. Two letters of recommendation