Summer Research Assistant (Internship)

Job Title: Summer Research Assistant (Internship)

Start Date: Summer 2026

Position Type: Entry level, Temporary

Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Duration: 10-12 Weeks

Location: Washington, DC (hybrid)

Residency Type: Authorized to work in the U.S. without immediate employer visa sponsorship (e.g., citizen, lawful permanent resident, STEM OPT with at least two years of remaining eligibility)

Application Deadline: April 12

ABOUT KEYBRIDGE

Keybridge is a boutique economics and public policy consulting firm based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to generate, curate, and apply analytical insights that help organizations create a more prosperous, resilient, and healthy nation. For more than two decades, we have used our expertise in applied economics, public policy, and data analytics to help our clients anticipate and respond to economic trends and advance sound, data-driven public policies. Our clients include leading trade associations, corporations, federal government agencies, and non-profit organizations that operate at the intersection of economics and public policy.

DESCRIPTION

As a Summer Research Assistant, you will be responsible for processing and analyzing data, tracking domestic and global policy and macroeconomic developments, and conducting research into topics of interest to Keybridge’s clients, including but not limited to consumer finance and electronic payments, regulatory issues, and energy and environmental issues. You will communicate your research and build data-driven narratives while collaborating with teammates who take pride in their work, have a passion for learning, and share your enthusiasm for understanding the inner workings of society, especially the economy, business, finance, politics, and public policy.

You will work on a range of projects, including assisting with day-to-day client-related tasks and executing on high-priority internal research initiatives. You will also pursue an independent research project that we will work with you to scope and execute. Your internship experience at Keybridge will give you a front row seat to both observe and contribute to a top-tier consulting firm as we help our clients anticipate, react, and take advantage of economic and policy trends that impact their business, industry, and operating environment.

If you have a passion for creative problem solving and are interested in working on economic and policy issues in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you. We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we realize that skills and competencies show up in different ways and can be based on life experience. Even if you meet many but not all of the qualifications listed below, we encourage you to apply.

Keybridge seeks candidates who are clear communicators and independent, critical thinkers. We recognize the value of AI as a tool that can enhance efficiency and support high-quality work, and employees are encouraged to use AI after completing an internal training program and consistent with approved use cases. During the application process, however, we ask candidates to submit materials that reflect their own thinking and abilities and have not been produced with AI assistance. Applicants will be asked to certify that their application materials were prepared without the use of AI.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Bring a meticulous eye for detail, intellectual curiosity, a willingness to learn on the job, a commitment to critical thinking, and a team-first orientation to every aspect of your work.


• Assist with daily tasks, including staying up to date on the latest macroeconomic indicators and public policy developments.


• Collect and analyze data and conduct qualitative research to support client deliverables.


• Draft research summaries, memos, and chart-based presentations that are logically structured, clearly communicated, and visually compelling.


• Provide project coordination support, including preparing meeting materials, taking detailed notes during meetings, and tracking the status of tasks.


• Conduct independent research into an economic or policy topic of mutual interest to you and Keybridge, with the goal of scoping a research question that is relevant to Keybridge’s client portfolio and could potentially be incorporated into a client-facing deliverable. This research will culminate in a written product (specific format to be determined) and a presentation to Keybridge staff.


• Performing other minor administrative or operational duties as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• A keen eye for detail with a commitment to quality and excellence.


• Passion for applied economics, public policy, or corporate social responsibility, and for using analytical tools to make sense of the world.


• Pursuing a degree in economics, public policy, business, data analytics, or related field.


• Curious with a drive for learning and continuous improvement.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is required, while experience with R and Python is a plus.


• Enjoy working collaboratively while also moving forward independently as needed.


• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.


• Comfort with remaining flexible and adjusting priorities as client and team needs evolve.


• Work authorization that does not require immediate visa sponsorship (within two years or less) for continued employment in the United States.

Keybridge is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE

The compensation and benefits package for this position includes:

• A wage of $25.00 per hour, payable monthly.


• A hybrid work environment with the option to work remotely on Fridays and two additional days of your choice per month.


• Access to professional development opportunities, programs, training, and resources.

ABOUT THE KEYBRIDGE COMMUNITY

In addition to meeting the position-specific qualifications described above, we are looking for candidates whose values align with our own. Keybridge's culture is based on five core values that underpin everything we do, from how we treat one another to how we engage with clients and conduct our work.

• Kindness: We are a tight-knit community of professionals who care deeply about our colleagues, support each other personally and professionally, and treat one another with kindness.


• Collaboration: We are a team-first community comprised of people who work well with others, generously share skills and expertise, and genuinely enjoy problem-solving together and contributing to the firm’s success.


• Curiosity: We are a learning organization that values intellectual curiosity and creates space for individuals to problem-solve and brainstorm new ideas, explore their professional interests, cultivate new expertise, and evolve into well-rounded professionals.


• Respectfulness: We are an inclusive community that respects individuals and values the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each of us brings to our work.


• Excellence: We are a community of high performers who hold ourselves to the highest standards, push ourselves to do our best work, and take pride in delivering extraordinary client service.

TO APPLY

Complete the application form linked here. No phone calls or emails, please.