MERICS Internship - Research Program

MERICS Internship

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 October 2026 is open from July 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.

MERICS offers the opportunity for interns

• to contribute to independent policy-oriented research on China
• to be part of a dynamic and highly dedicated team
• to apply and expand the skills you have acquired during your studies, by conducting research based on English and Chinese primary sources, performing data analysis and writing short reports, as well as assisting in preparing events and presentations
  
  

MERICS expects

• 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.

How To Apply

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.

About Us

The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) was founded in 2013 by Stiftung Mercator to strengthen knowledge and debate about China in Germany and Europe. With about 20 full-time international researchers, from Europe, the United States and Australia, MERICS is currently the largest European research institute focusing solely on the analysis of contemporary China and its relations with Europe and the wider world. Our specialists have a wide range of expertise on China, scientific qualifications and methodological skills.

MERICS values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive work environment for colleagues of all backgrounds. We are based in Berlin, and our working language is English. Knowledge of Chinese is in most cases a must, (knowledge of German and other languages is an asset).