United Nations Research Internship Job 2026

United Nations Research Internship 2026 – Remote UNU Opportunity

Apply for the United Nations Research Internship 2026 with UNU Macau. Remote opportunity focused on neuroscience, learning, AI and higher education.

The United Nations Research Internship Job 2026 offers an opportunity for qualified researchers and postgraduate students to gain experience with the United Nations University (UNU). The remote internship focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and higher education.

Based at UNU Macau, the internship involves contributing to research for a forthcoming Springer publication on AI and higher education, alongside policy and knowledge products.

The internship is scheduled to run for two months, from 5 October to 4 December 2026, and the application deadline is 18 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Macau time (GMT+8).

Opportunity	Details
Organization	United Nations University (UNU)
Institute	UNU Institute in Macau
Internship	Research Intern
Focus	Neuroscience, Learning, AI & Higher Education
Location	Remote
Duration	2 months
Start date	5 October 2026
End date	4 December 2026
Required education	Master’s degree or above
Working language	English
Stipend	Not specified (N/A)
Deadline	18 September 2026
Time zone	Macau Time (GMT+8)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars conducting policy-oriented research, capacity development and knowledge dissemination on issues relevant to the United Nations and its Member States.

The UNU Institute in Macau focuses on the intersection of digital technology and sustainable development. Its research includes data-driven approaches, technological innovation and policy-relevant work connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This internship is centered on AI and higher education, with a particular emphasis on how neuroscience and learning science can inform educational policy and practice.

Tasks

Under the supervision of the Institute Director, the intern will contribute to ongoing research and knowledge-production activities.

Responsibilities include:

Conducting literature reviews.
Researching neuroscience, learning, education and AI.
Supporting research for a forthcoming Springer book.
Exploring the relationship between neuroscience and educational policy.
Developing policy recommendations.
Contributing to research papers and journal articles.
Drafting blogs and other knowledge products.
Organizing and analyzing research materials and evidence.

Expected Outputs

The intern is expected to contribute to several research and policy outputs, including:

Research briefs
Literature reviews
Policy recommendations
Blog articles
Academic publications
Journal article drafts
Research supporting the Springer book on AI and higher education

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to applicants interested in academic research, education policy, AI research and interdisciplinary studies.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants must have a Master’s degree or above in a relevant discipline.

Accepted or relevant fields include:

Neuroscience
Education
Learning sciences
Psychology
Artificial intelligence
Social sciences
Related disciplines

Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

Strong research skills
Analytical abilities
Academic writing skills
Experience conducting literature reviews
Ability to synthesize academic research
Strong interest in neuroscience, learning, AI and higher education
Ability to work independently in a remote environment

Language

Excellent written and spoken English is required.

Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Learning Opportunities

The internship is designed to provide experience in policy-oriented social science research within a UN research environment.

The stated learning objectives include strengthening research skills, learning how to translate research findings into policy-relevant outputs, gaining experience working within the UN and developing the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Is the Internship Paid?

The vacancy information lists the stipend as N/A, meaning that no stipend amount is specified in the information provided.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the internship is paid unless UNU provides additional information.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare and submit the required application materials in English.

The application should include:

A brief cover letter explaining interest in and qualifications for the internship.
A current and complete CV.
Examples of relevant research work.

Candidates invited to an interview must provide documentation confirming their education status, such as a transcript or proof of enrollment.

Selected interns must also have health and life/accident insurance valid for the duration and location of the internship.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

18 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Macau time (GMT+8).

The internship is expected to begin on 5 October 2026 and end on 4 December 2026.

Because the deadline is close, candidates should ensure that their application materials are complete before submission.

Important Information About the Remote Internship

This is a remote internship.

UNU states that it will not sponsor a working visa for this position.

The internship is intended to complement an intern’s studies and is not designed as a direct pathway to employment with UNU. Interns should therefore not expect automatic employment after completing the internship.

Interns also do not represent UNU in an official capacity and are not considered UN staff members or international civil servants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the United Nations Research Internship 2026 remote?

Yes. The vacancy specifically states that the internship is remote.

What is the focus of the UNU research internship?

The internship focuses on neuroscience, learning, AI and higher education, including their implications for research, policy and educational practice.

What degree is required?

Applicants need a Master’s degree or above in neuroscience, education, learning sciences, psychology, AI, social sciences or a related field.

How long is the internship?

The internship is scheduled for two months, from 5 October to 4 December 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 18 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Macau time (GMT+8).

Is the UNU internship paid?

The vacancy lists the stipend as N/A, so no specific stipend amount is provided.

Does UNU sponsor a visa?

No. The vacancy states that UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this remote internship.

Additional Information

This opportunity may be particularly relevant to postgraduate researchers interested in the rapidly developing relationship between AI and higher education.

Applicants should emphasize relevant academic research, literature-review experience, analytical skills and examples of high-quality academic writing in their applications.

UNU also warns applicants that it does not charge application or recruitment fees. Anyone requesting payment in connection with the recruitment process should be treated with caution.

Disclaimer: ReignGigs is not affiliated with the United Nations University or the United Nations. We share opportunities for informational purposes only. Applicants should verify the vacancy status, requirements and application instructions through the official UNU recruitment channel before applying.

Keywords: United Nations Research Internship 2026, UN research internship 2026, UNU internship 2026, United Nations University internship, UNU Macau internship, remote UN internship, remote research internship 2026, AI research internship, neuroscience research internship, education research internship, higher education research internship, AI and higher education, research internships for graduates, Master’s research internship, UN internships 2026, United Nations internships, remote internships for students, academic research internship, policy research internship, international research opportunities, UNU research internship, AI education research

APPLY NOW