Russia Occupation Research Internship

Job Description

About the Role
The ISW Russia Occupation Research Internship is a full-time, in-person, remote, or hybrid opportunity for college students or recent graduates to contribute to ISW’s mission of driving strategy and policy with ground realities. Interns will support the Russian Occupation Update product line by conducting detailed open-source intelligence analysis to inform policymakers and warfighters on Russian occupation strategy and its implications in Ukraine.

What You’ll Do
• Collect, process, and analyze data from a wide-variety of open-sources.
• Write sections of the Russian Occupation Update to publishable ISW standard.
• Support longer-term research efforts focusing on occupation administration, repression, sociocultural control, administrative integration, and the humanitarian and human rights implications of the occupation.
• Use innovative technologies to conduct open-source collection and analysis.

You’re a Good Fit If You
• Have a demonstrated interest in war studies, national security, or regional studies, particularly related to Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and the post-Soviet space.
• Have a demonstrated interest in military occupations, irregular warfare and coercive activities, humanitarian and human rights issues in conflict zones, and international and human rights law.
• Possess strong analytical writing, editing, research, and communication skills.
• Are self-motivated, detail-oriented, independent, and capable of working in a constantly changing and fast-paced professional environment.
• Have demonstrated professional or academic experience in using foreign languages (preferably Russian and/or Ukrainian) to conduct primary source research.
• Show commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW.
• Are authorized to work in the United States and physically present in the United States during the internship tenure.
• Are eligible for and obtain CPT authorization if attending a US university on a student visa.

Bonus Qualifications
• Possess strong reading and listening comprehension in Russian and/or Ukrainian.
• Have professional or academic familiarity with open-source intelligence methodologies, including analysis of social media sources, government statements, satellite imagery, and local-level reporting.
• Have experience with mapping and data visualization and organization tools.

Role Highlights & Compensation
• Opportunity to analyze conflicts directly informing policymakers on American national security issues.
• Work directly with analysts, receive classroom education, and regular leadership engagement.
• Chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community.
• Opportunity to draft, edit, and publish own research under mentorship of senior analysts.
• Many interns have been hired onto ISW staff.
• In-person, remote, or hybrid internship options.
• Full-time (five days per week), with part-time considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Program dates: September 8, 2026, to December 11, 2026.
• Up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend available through a scholarship program, classified as taxable income.
• Ability to gain academic credit where applicable.