Research Internship - Summer 2008

The Worldwatch Institute seeks summer interns to support its extensive research, writing and outreach program from approximately late May through mid-August, with timing and hours flexible. The location is the Institute’s Washington, D.C. office on Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., near Dupont Circle.

The Research Intern will report either directly to the Vice President for Programs or to individual researchers within the Institute. She or he will help in researching, fact-checking and possibly writing for a range of publications — including the flagship publication State of the World 2009 (which will focus on adapting to and mitigating human-induced climate change throughout the 21^st century), various Worldwatch Reports, the on-line feature Vital Signs and postings on the Worldwatch newswire, Eye on Earth (e²). The Research Intern may also propose or take on individual research projects that may feed into future editions of State of the World, Worldwatch Reports, Vital Signs and e². The Research Intern will also occasionally attend relevant briefings in and around Washington and report on these to Worldwatch staff and can expect to attend and contribute to biweekly general and research staff meetings.

Qualifications: Excellent writing and communication skills. Demonstrated experience in and passion for the environment—and for the importance of accurate information and analysis to guide environmental decision-making. Environmental coursework and/or campus work for environmental and related causes a plus.

Requirements: The work requires attention to detail and an ability to carefully and accurately document authoritative sources for all information gathered. A curiosity about how the environment relates to social, political and economic realities and a capacity to see connections across fields and specialties are critical.

Funding: There is no guaranteed funding from the Worldwatch Institute. Applicants are encouraged to pursue sources of possible funding at their academic institutions or through other means. In some cases, modest stipends may be provided to interns unable to live in Washington without additional funding.

Housing:Housing will not be provided. The Research Intern is responsible for finding his or her own housing. Worldwatch staff can help identify likely housing resources.

About the Organization: The Worldwatch Institute blends interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing that makes it a leading source of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Our work aims to speed the shift to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society and lays out roadmap for how to achieve that vision. Most of our work falls in one of three program areas: 1) sustainable energy and climate, 2) sustainable agriculture, and 3) environmental reform of the global economy. Some activity in the summer of 2008 is expected to focus on human population growth, reproductive health and the lives of women.

The credibility and accessibility of Worldwatch research has made our publications and Website popular among government and business decision-makers, the media, NGOs, teachers and students, and the general public. Since the first Worldwatch Paper was published in 1975, the Institute has broadened discussion of environmental and social issues by analyzing them from a global and interdisciplinary perspective. This has produced fresh angles on the issues closest to the issue of the long-term sustainability of human activities.

To apply: Send your resume, a cover letter addressing the selection criteria above, and two brief writing samples to jobs@worldwatch.org. Please put “Research Internship” in subject line. Applicants may send non-electronic materials by regular mail to:

Worldwatch Institute
Research Internship
1776 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036