CSS Internship Program

During eight weeks, interns gain insight into the work of a think tank and support our researchers in their work in one of the following areas:

• Swiss/Transatlantic/European/Global security
• mediation and peace support (mainly preparation /logistical support for external page PMC course)
• risk and resilience/civil protecction
• emerging technologies
• cyberdefense
• nuclear deterrence and disarmament
• multilateralism

The internship is not degree-related.

Applicants choosing to intern with the CSS are expected to play an active role in the work of the Center by:

• Contributing to the CSS’s existing research projects; interns will be allocated to a project based on their experience and the needs of the CSS.
  
• Assisting senior researchers with their research, editorial, and networking activities.
• Co-authoring articles with CSS researchers.
• Assisting in the organization of courses or events.

The internship will be on-site. The exact date of the internship depends on the availability of the intern and the specific project will be defined individually.

Graduate students or undergraduate students in their final year with the following skills:

• Excellent English
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• The ability to read and analyze content quickly and objectively
• A detailed knowledge of current affairs, e.g. in Swiss security policy
• A strong work ethic and the ability to learn quickly
• Initiative and a willingness to participate in, and contribute to, the activities of the CSS.

Please note that due to Swiss labor laws only EU 27 / EFTA nationals (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) may apply for an internship.

The CSS pays an appropriate salary. However, the CSS recommends that all applicants apply for an additional scholarship before coming to Zurich. 

The Institute does not have the ability to assist applicants in finding housing, but refers to the appropriate ETH websites. Interns are asked to make the necessary arrangements before joining.

If you would like to apply for a CSS internship, please submit the below listed documents online. Applications via email or postal services cannot be considered.

• Application letter: a one page statement of purpose outlining your research interests and why you would like to work at the CSS
• Resume (max. 1 page)
• Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates
• A writing sample in English, e.g. a university paper, an article
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably academic, to be sent directly by the referees to the CSS Institute Manager by Mail.

• As an employee with a fixed term contract you will be ensured against accidents, but not against illness. It is the intern's own responsibility to make any additional arrangements for insurance and social security.
  
• The CSS accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, any personal items during the internship. Again, applicants should make the necessary insurance arrangements prior to beginning their placement.
• All interns will abide by CSS Rules and Regulations and will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the internship. Both the CSS and ISN reserve the right to terminate the internship with immediate effect.
• All interns will keep confidential any and all unpublished information made available during the course of the internship.
• Successful candidates must provide written notice in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances that might prevent them from completing their internship.