MERICS Internship - Research Program

MERICS is looking for committed and flexible team players to contribute as full-time interns (40 hours per week) to its research programs. The current round of applications for internships starting in July 2026 is open from April 1 to 15, 2026.
Our interns apply and expand the skills acquired during their studies in a dynamic working environment, contributing to independent policy-oriented research on China. 
Internships at MERICS have a duration of three months and are offered at four different times throughout the year, starting either in January, April, July or October. Interns receive a small remuneration. 

• Studies in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Law, Sociology, Sciences/Technology, Journalism or Area Studies with a relevant focus on Asia and/or China
• Enrollment at a university in a first BA or MA program during the entire internship.
• Good knowledge of the political and economic system of the People’s Republic of China
• Very good command of written and spoken English and good Chinese language skills (for research program Politics and Society: very good knowledge, ability to read fluently and summarize source content concerning a wide range of topics); working knowledge of German would be a bonus
• Attention to detail and high degree of reliability
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint)    

MERICS does not offer remote internships. All interns are required to live and work in Berlin for the duration of their internship with us.

MERICS offers internships in different research programs: 

• Politics and Society: China’s domestic politics, party state and legal system; social policy; public debates, media and human rights
• Economy: China's economic development; industrial policy; trade; FDI/ODI; third market competition; foreign business in China
• Foreign Relations: China's foreign, security and defense policies; China’s global role and geopolitical dynamics; EU-China and Europe-China relations; Indo-Pacific; China’s global initiatives
• Science, Technology and Innovation: China's tech ambitions in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology and biotech; scientific research collaboration; cybersecurity; data-driven research methodologies

We do not expect you to have in-depth knowledge of each of these topics but recommend that you apply to the program that best fits with your academic background, interests and past experiences. A lot of overlap exists between each of these programs and you are likely to interact with analysts from all four teams during your time at MERICS. We cannot guarantee to be able to offer you an internship in the desired research program, but we will take your preference very seriously.

Applications from people with a history of migration, black people/people of color and people with disabilities are expressly welcome. We value diversity and are committed to diversity and equal opportunities - we therefore welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, nationality, age, gender, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

Please send a cover letter and a CV exclusively electronically via our application tool and express your preference order in the cover letter.
These documents need to be submitted to us in English. 

Before you apply, please make sure that you are already legally allowed to work in Germany. MERICS will unfortunately not be able to sponsor or assist with any visa or work permit applications. If you are offered a place, you will then be required to be registered as a resident in Germany, obtain a German social security number, a German tax ID and provide proof of membership to a German statutory health insurance. Please also note that applications received outside of our application window (see above) will not be processed. 

We look forward to applications from students currently doing their first BA or MA degree and who will be enrolled at a university throughout their internship with us.