AC4 is seeking an intern for the Spring semester – Metrics Internship

Applications Deadline: February 11, 2019 

The Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity (AC⁴) at Columbia University’s The Earth Institute is seeking a graduate or doctoral student intern to provide research assistance to the director of AC⁴ . The metrics intern will assist with projects related to the Sustainable Peace Project which aims to gain a holistic understanding of the core dynamics of sustainably peaceful societies. The Sustainable Peace Project, grounded in dynamical systems theory and informed by historical and anthropological evidence indicating that humans are fundamentally cooperative beings, seeks to:

• Advance conversations about peace with academic experts, policy makers, and local stakeholders;
• Bridge the gap between the academic understanding and practical applications of sustainable peace by providing policy-relevant tools; and
• Advocate for a more comprehensive and fundamental understanding of sustainable peace.

AC⁴ is currently seeking someone to help with the development of metrics and measures that would capture the idiosyncratic and context-specific nature of peace around the world. The research assistant will contribute to project objectives by providing a wide range of desk research assistance and some administrative support. Anticipated tasks include, but are not limited to, conducting literature reviews of current indices that blend bottom-up and top-down approaches, analyzing existing indices for metrics that may reflect or affect peace, and assisting with the development of measurement tools. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the work of AC⁴and the Sustainable Peace Project and interface with leading scholars and practitioners in the field of peace and conflict resolution. The metrics intern will work up to 20 hours per week.

Skills required:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Previous experience with social science research
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Flexibility in adapting to the needs of a dynamic research agenda
• Ability to work independently

Preferred skills:

• An understanding of current issues in the field of peace and conflict resolution a plus

Interested applicants should email Allegra Chen-Carrel (ac3922@columbia.edu) with a cover letter and CV by Feb 11th.