2026 Summer Research Internship Analysis of Fossil Fuel Community Support Programs

Position Summary

Do you want to begin a career in academic or policy research Are you interested in contributing to impactful balanced research that is aimed at improving environmentalenergyand natural resource decisions A summer research internship with Resources for the Future (RFF) might be right for you. The RFF summer internship programprovides an opportunity for studentstoprepare forcareers that engage in academic and policy-relevant research. Interns are essential members of the Resources for the Future (RFF) Research and Policy Engagement team. Theyare responsible forproviding technical support that under the direction of RFF Fellows allowsfor the production ofcompelling and impactful research that aligns with RFFs mission of improving environmental energy and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement.

Our research internships are a 10-week programpaid at $20-$26an hourfor up to 35 hours a week. Applications will be open untilFebruary20. Interviewswill be conductedbeginning in March with hiring decisions made byApril24. Internships will run fromJune152026through August21 2026. Start or end dates can be changed with an approved exception.

All internships will be conducted in RFFs offices in Washington DC.

RFFs mission is to improve environmental energy and natural resource decisions through impartial evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. We envision a future where climate change no longer threatens our well-being and where smart environmental decisions help to uplift communities around the world. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future while having shaped many of the worlds most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years. Our workbroadly centersonthe economicsanddesignofsmart strategies to reduce sectoral andeconomy-wide emissions of greenhouse gases and policies that confront climate change risks and build also increasingly emphasize issues related to equity economic transition and disaggregated climate and policy impacts not solely aggregate outcomes.

Project Summary:

Summer Research Intern (PAID): Analysis of Fossil Fuel Community Support Programs

We areseekingahighly motivatedintern tocollaborate on ananalysis ofstate and localgovernment programs that support the economies of fossil fuel communitiesin the withDaniel Raimi (Fellow).The intern will contribute to an ongoing project thatseekstoprovide a comprehensive understanding ofgovernment programsin the to support the economies of fossil fuel communities a key partoffacilitatingan equitabletransition towards a net-zero emissions intern willreview categorize and analyzeexistingstate and local government on the circumstances the internmay be able tocollaboratewith the teambeyond the paid internship on a public report.

Qualifications Experience & Competencies

• Education: Priority is given to candidates enrolled inanundergraduate orMastersprogramthat is relevant to RFFs research and motivated candidates in the social andnatural sciences with training in economics and quantitative methods or with a keen interest in public policy are encouraged to apply.
• Required: Clear interest in policies that support fossil fuels communities in the U.S.
• Required:Stronganalytical andwriting skills.
• Required:Experience or coursework related to policy analysis.
• Preferred:Experience or coursework in data visualization.

All applications must besubmittedelectronically. Pleasebeginthe name of each file with your last name.

• Resume summarizing your experiences and qualifications for the position

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job some standing walking sitting bending and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.

Working Conditions

The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices meetings and training rooms etc. The work area is adequately lighted heated and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description may not describe all duties responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.

Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion

RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity equity and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion gender sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment nor in the administration and other programs.RFFs Vision for a Diverse Equitable and Inclusive Future.

Visit ourFAQpage to find out what its like to work at a world-class policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington DC.