NDU Student Trainee Internship 2026: Paid National Security Research Opportunity in Washington, DC
Overview
The National Defense University (NDU), a United States Department of Defense institution that educates military and civilian leaders, is offering a paid Student Trainee internship under the federal Pathways Internship Program. It is based at Fort McNair in Washington, DC, and is associated with the Institute for National Strategic Studies, NDU's research arm. The Student Trainee supports faculty and senior staff by conducting basic research, gathering information and data and preparing written materials for publications and presentations. Duties include producing and formatting documents such as reports and memoranda, gathering sources and data, and conducting archival and literature research with written or oral summaries.
The post is at the GS-5 level with a salary of $46,610 to $60,593 per year, full-time and temporary for up to one year with possible extension. It is telework-eligible under agency policy but not fully remote, requires no travel and requires a Secret security clearance. Successful participants may become eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent federal job, though this is not guaranteed. Benefits may include retirement coverage, Social Security, Thrift Savings Plan, health, life and long-term care insurance, paid leave, federal holidays, flexible schedules and a transit subsidy.
Who can apply
The vacancy is open to United States citizens, nationals and those owing allegiance to the United States. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying degree, diploma or certificate programme, including for Fall 2026, live or study within the local commuting area, and keep a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. For GS-5 they need four years of post-secondary study, about 120 semester hours, and one year of specialised experience performing administrative support functions using standardised procedures. Paid and unpaid volunteer experience can count. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential-evaluation organisation. Appointment requires a background investigation and a Pathways participant agreement.
How to apply
Applications are made through USAJOBS with a federal resume of no more than two pages, a transcript, proof of enrolment or acceptance and any preference documents, followed by the USA Hire assessment, which can take up to three hours. Applicants are rated Qualified, Highly Qualified or Best Qualified.
Key dates
The application period runs from 30 July to 27 August 2026, but the announcement may close earlier once 100 applications are received.