The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan global security organization focused on reducing nuclear and biological threats, is now taking internship applications for Fall 2021. Our highly competitive program offers approximately 6-8 paid positions 3x a year to undergraduate students with at least two years of study, graduate students, and/ or those who demonstrate co-equal qualifying experience. Interns are paid $15.20 an hour; NTI also welcomes applicants from university-sponsored internship programs.

NTI Interns play a critical role within each of our teams working to advance our mission objectives while learning more about existential risks to humanity. Our internships are substantive opportunities where interns are deeply embedded into NTI’s teams, contributing research and analysis to ongoing projects, but do include administrative components as needed. NTI’s internship program prioritizes building skills and experience and includes structured professional development opportunities -- many intern alumni have gone on to have stellar careers in their chosen fields.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 11:59pm ET on Monday, July 5, 2021.

Because of the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to individual inquiries, but all final decisions are made by Friday, August 6, 2021.

Fall 2021 Term starts September 16, 2021 and ends no later than December 17, 2021. Your end date will be agreed upon with your supervisor based on your personal circumstances.

As our own staff slowly transitions back into the office, please bear in mind we are all working to adjust to what our new “normal” looks like. All applicants may request a remote internship, but those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will have the option to work in-person at our downtown Washington, DC offices. [*Note: NTI is not a registered employer in the state of California and therefore unable to hire a candidate that will be living in and working from that state. We apologize for this exclusion while we continue to offer the option of remote internships].

If you have any questions or specific requests, please indicate that in your cover letter.  

You should apply if you:

●    Care deeply about the existential threats facing humanity and want to work with some of the foremost experts in the world working to solve these problems;

●    Excel at writing, researching, organizing, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders;

●    Can balance being self-driven and a team player;

●    Are able commit to 16+ hours a week for at least 10 weeks

NTI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all background and identities to apply. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other quality or circumstance protected by Federal or D.C. law.

At this time, NTI cannot accept intern applications from individuals who do not have a legal right to work in the United States and who do not hold residency in the United States during the duration of the internship. NTI is not able to provide employment sponsorship for its intern positions.

Applicants may indicate a preference to work for up to three of the following program teams -- preference does not guarantee selection by that team:

1. Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio) 

○    The NTI | bio team seeks to reduce biological risks associated with advances in technology, develop new approaches for curbing the catastrophic outcomes from a high-consequence biological event, create new approaches to improve infectious disease surveillance, and identify and fill gaps to measurably strengthen global health security capabilities with a strong focus on biosecurity.

2. Global Nuclear Policy Program (GNPP)

○    The Global Nuclear Policy Program works with leaders and partners around the world to develop policies, leadership, and the global capacity—human and institutional—to reduce reliance on nuclear weapons, prevent their spread and use, and ultimately end them as a threat to the world. GNPP also leads NTI’s congressional outreach.

3. Communications (Comms)

○    The Communications team works with NTI’s programs to enhance their impact, implements NTI’s public education mission, supports NTI’s leadership and development teams, and manages the organization’s brand and all communications, including across social networks and with the news media. Comms writes, edits, and publishes a wide variety of documents, and the team produces new tools (videos, infographics, games) to reach a variety of audiences.

4. International Fuel Cycle Strategies (FC)

○    The FC team is focused on the intersection of peaceful nuclear energy, preventing proliferation, and verifying that states are upholding their commitments to various nuclear treaties and agreements. We envision a future in which there is significant peaceful nuclear activity and fewer (or no) nuclear weapons. The work of the FC team seeks to move us closer to that ideal end-state, such as by developing strategies for the management and disposition of nuclear waste, addressing regional proliferation and nuclear energy issues such as those related to Iran and North Korea, as well as ensuring an effective and efficiently functioning international nuclear verification and monitoring system, including through the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

5. Materials Risk Management (MRM)

○    MRM’s mission is to promote effective practices and policies that keep nuclear and radiological materials secure and out of the hands of malicious actors. MRM works with governments, industry, international organizations, and experts to manage the security risks associated with these materials.

6. Science and Technical Affairs (STA)

○    STA seeks to capture the opportunities new and emerging technologies afford while working to reduce the impact of their malevolent use. STA is NTI’s dedicated team for reviewing and addressing the potential catastrophic risks and significant benefits emerging technologies pose to nuclear and biological threats: from big data and artificial intelligence to cyber threats and space systems.