Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Are you passionate about making an impact on national security through deep, meaningful research? CNA is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 National Internship Programs of 2025 , and we're looking for talented, driven individuals to join our 2026 Summer Research Internship Program !

As a CNA Research Intern, you'll be embedded in real study teams, contributing directly to projects that support our nation's defense and security. Interns will take on a self-contained research project or support multiple ongoing studies , gaining hands-on experience in applying rigorous analysis to critical real-world challenges.

What You'll Do:

* Collaborate with expert researchers and analysts tackling complex national security issues

* Contribute to high-impact projects that inform defense policy and operations

* Present findings and insights to internal teams and potentially external stakeholders

Who We're Looking For:

* Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees (master's or PhD)

* Strong interest in policy research, national defense, or security studies

* Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Why Choose CNA?

* Work alongside mission-driven experts in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment

* Gain mentorship and networking opportunities that last far beyond the internship

Ready to make a difference? Apply by November 30, 2025 , and take the first step toward an internship experience that matters.

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Assist in the process of defining and structuring analytical problems.

2. Develop sound analytical techniques.

3. Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.

4. Communicate results both in writing and orally.

5. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Must have a bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline. Enrollment in a graduate program required.

2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience, including conducting literature searches, analyses, and writing reports is required. Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred.

3. Skills: Must have experience with database manipulation and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; critical thinking and organizational skills.

4. Other:

• Must be a US citizen


• Must be able to obtain a security clearance


• This position is eligible for travel and housing assistance for candidates who live outside the DC metro area.

Required documents

Preference will be given to candidates who submit the required documents below

• Resume


• Transcripts - Unofficial copies are ok. Please include undergrad and graduate (if available)


• Cover letter - The cover letter should describe your interest in the internship, as well as your leadership, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: EEO is the Law Poster, EEO Poster Supplement. The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

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