Research Intern – AI and Emerging Technology

Job Description

Fall 2026, Research and Events, AI and Emerging Technology | The Brookings Institution

The Tone:
This is a hybrid or remote internship at The Brookings Institution, a highly influential and trusted think tank committed to improving the world through public policy. The role requires U.S. residency for its duration, with a hybrid option involving regular in-person presence at the Washington, DC office. This position contributes to the AI and Emerging Technology (AIET) Initiative, which delivers actionable insights and convenes stakeholders to shape the future of AI policy and manage associated risks.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (20-30 hours/week)
• Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC
• Pay: $18.40 hourly
• Team: The Brookings AI and Emerging Technology (AIET) Initiative
• Mission: Contribute to shaping the future of AI policy through rigorous, interdisciplinary research and by convening diverse stakeholders.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Project Support: Provide support across the AIET research portfolio, assisting with various tasks as needed.
• Document Preparation: Draft, edit, and proofread publications, briefing materials, and other written documents.
• Data and Literature Review: Review, compile, and synthesize data to inform policy analysis, and perform literature reviews.
• Event and Administrative Support: Assist with event planning and execution, and perform other administrative tasks.
• Self-Directed Research: Conduct a self-directed research project related to AIET’s core workstreams, culminating in a defined work product presented to senior leadership.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Undergraduate student (junior or senior year), recent college graduate, or master’s student in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, engineering, social science, public policy). Must be able to live and work in the U.S. in states other than Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington for the duration of the internship.
• Experience: Demonstrated interest and substantive knowledge in AI governance, AI safety and evaluation, and emerging AI and technology policy. Experience with policy research and analysis at the federal or state level is a plus.
• Skills: Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills; strong organizational skills; high attention to detail; ability to work independently with little direction; and ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, team-based office environment.
• Bonus: Coding skills are strongly preferred.