Intern - Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide (Research)

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a federally chartered, nonpartisan institution that was created by the US Congress to serve as America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and an educational institution dedicated to the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Museum seeks to educate Americans from all 50 states and all walks of life as well as international audiences. The Museum has three areas of expertise: Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust scholarship and education, and genocide prevention.

In carrying out its important memorial and educational mission, the Museum is guided by its institutional values for our workplace: Honor the memory of the victims; carry out our work with dignity, humility, integrity and respect for others; and strive for excellence through teamwork, rigor, and a culture of continuous learning. Consistent respect for others is the foundation for trust, collegiality and inclusion.

Information About the Role and the Office:

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum teaches that the Holocaust was preventable and that by heeding warning signs and taking early action, individuals and governments can save lives. The Founding Chairman of the Museum, Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, hoped the Museum would do for victims of genocide today what was not done for the Jews of Europe during the Holocaust.

The Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide is dedicated to advancing research and education focused on understanding warning signs, analyzing lessons learned from past cases, and providing in-depth reports on countries where crimes are ongoing or at serious risk, and that are receiving insufficient governmental or public attention. Research interns will assist with each of these objectives while learning about various contemporary conflicts and the latest developments in the field of genocide prevention.

To learn more about us, please visit the SCPG homepage: https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention

This is a remote position with a team based in Washington, DC. Hybrid work may be an option for successful applicants based in the Washington, DC, area.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Research Intern will perform some of the following duties:

• Assist with a variety of projects and activities related to genocide prevention and response including research, policy outreach, education initiatives, and administrative support
• Provide assistance to multiple Simon-Skjodt Center research projects, including the Early Warning Project and the Lessons Learned in Preventing and Responding to Mass Atrocities project
• Work on a variety of research projects related to the dynamics of mass atrocities and policy responses in countries at risk of or currently experiencing mass atrocities
• Conduct literature reviews of scholarly studies about mass atrocities and their prevention
• Prepare detailed notes from interviews and other meetings
• Support research for the Early Warning Project, including analyzing fatality counts in high-risk countries using Excel, analysis based on qualitative reporting, and research about selected countries at risk
• Draft analytic memos and rapporteur’s reports
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree (as junior or senior at the time of applying) or graduate degree from an accredited university.
• A strong interest in genocide and mass atrocity prevention, as indicated by dedicated coursework, research experience, and/or professional experience.
• Experience with research and writing about contemporary mass atrocities and their prevention
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong organization and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting research about contemporary cases of mass atrocities (examples of contemporary cases the Simon-Skjodt Center works on include South Sudan, Syria, Burma/Myanmar, China, and Ethiopia) and/or countries at risk of potential mass atrocities
• Familiarity with social science research methods

How To Apply:

A complete application consists of the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample (see referenced criteria below)

To apply, please submit a one-page resume, one-page cover letter, and writing sample. The writing sample should be a relatively short (5-7 page) policy memo or excerpt from a class paper. The writing sample will be evaluated on two main criteria: (1) candidate’s ability to conduct research and analysis on topics relevant to the Simon-Skjodt Center; and (2) candidate’s ability to communicate clearly about research findings.

Incomplete applications received will not be considered for advancement. 

To be eligible to participate in the Internship Program, students must meet the following enrollment criteria:

• The student must be 18 years or older currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university
• The student must have completed at least the first semester of their freshman year (At least at the time of application)
• Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must reside in the United States for the full duration of the internship program.
• Must complete their background check while physically present in the United States

Interviews for the Fall 2026 internship program will begin in August 2026 for advanced applicants. Final selection decisions will be made in September 2026, and all candidates will be notified of their status via email by Human Resources.