Summer 2026 Research Assistant Opportunities at The Lab
The Lab @ DC is an applied research and design team embedded in DC Government and composed of civic design researchers, social scientists, and data scientists. We partner with agencies in DC government to help design, launch, and evaluate District programs with a resident-centered lens. Our projects span all policy areas. We believe DC residents deserve a government that asks questions, tests policies, and iteratively improves how it serves the community. The Lab @ DC meets our city's most critical problems with scientific methods, civic design, and authentic partnership with District agencies and residents.
Each summer, we welcome 2-4 graduate-level students to join our team as Research Assistants (RAs). Each RA will be assigned an anchor project—something that they can contribute to substantively over the course of the summer—and another two to three smaller projects to support. Our goal is to provide both a breadth and depth of exposure to The Lab’s portfolio.
We are looking for graduate students (including those who will start programs Fall 2026 or will graduate in May 2026).
Applications closed on March 2, 2026. Select candidates will be invited to take an online performance task in mid-March and a smaller number will be asked for a brief, virtual interview after that. We anticipate making offers by late March.
Other Opportunities in DC Government
Students can apply for a 2026 summer internship with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Some of these positions may involve working with The Lab or our colleagues.
For full-time positions, visit careers.dc.gov.