Apply Now for The Living Lab Internship at World Resources Institute (WRI) – Washington, D.C. 2025
Engr. RABIU RABIU Dr. Kali 
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is now accepting applications for The Living Lab Internship, a unique opportunity for individuals interested in behavioral science, climate action, and equitable policy change. Based out of WRI’s Washington, D.C. office, this three-month, hybrid internship offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge research and field-based interventions aimed at shifting behavior toward sustainable practices.
The internship is part of The Living Lab: Behavioral Design for Equitable Climate Action (TLL), WRI’s new initiative dedicated to raising the profile of behavioral science as a climate solution. Interns will play a critical role in supporting cross-sectoral projects that explore how behavioral insights can accelerate action across food, transport, energy, and water systems—all while centering equity and inclusion.
Applications are due by May 30, 2025.
About The Living Lab (TLL)
WRI’s Living Lab is a new unit that works to integrate behavioral science into climate and sustainability solutions. TLL collaborates with local stakeholders, policymakers, and global organizations to:
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Identify policies that encourage large-scale behavioral shifts toward climate-friendly practices
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Co-design interventions that align with national climate goals and global movements
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Explore both environmental and socio-economic benefits of behavior-informed policies
This internship supports those efforts by helping disseminate research, organize impactful events, and contribute to proposals that scale pro-climate behaviors.
Internship Details
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Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid format; 8 in-office days per month required)
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Duration: 3 months (full-time), with a flexible start and end date
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Compensation:
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$20/hour for undergraduates
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$22/hour for graduates
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$24/hour for PhD students
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Deadline to apply: May 30, 2025
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Eligibility: Must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia at the start of the internship. Work authorization in the U.S. is required.
What You’ll Do
As a Living Lab Intern, you will support a variety of projects at the intersection of behavioral design, climate strategy, and social equity. Responsibilities include:
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Drafting press articles to disseminate behavioral research in food, transport, and energy
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Planning and designing an event during New York Climate Week to connect policymakers, advocates, and researchers
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Analyzing data from a current water reduction intervention project
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Researching and contributing to proposals that apply behavioral insights to energy, electric vehicles, internal sustainability, and the circular economy
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Supporting the production of external publications and communications campaigns
You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team of policy experts, behavioral scientists, and communications professionals.
Learning Outcomes
Interns will gain experience in:
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Translating complex research into accessible content for public and policy audiences
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Event planning and stakeholder engagement
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Data analysis and research development
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Proposal writing and grant development
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Applying behavioral science to real-world climate challenges
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Understanding the equity dimensions of climate and behavior change policies
This is a valuable opportunity for those seeking a career in environmental policy, social innovation, or behavioral science applied to sustainable development.
Who Should Apply
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s degree program
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Demonstrated interest or experience in climate, sustainability, or behavioral science research
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Strong writing, research, and editing skills
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Proficiency in Excel or similar tools
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Comfortable working in a team and independently
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Must be based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and authorized to work in the U.S.
WRI is particularly interested in candidates who are committed to environmental equity and who reflect a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
About WRI
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with over 2,000 staff working across more than 50 countries. WRI tackles pressing environmental challenges through data-driven research, global collaboration, and system-wide solutions in areas such as:
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Food, land, and water
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Cities and transportation
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Energy and climate
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Sustainable business practices
WRI’s mission is to advance human well-being by protecting Earth’s environment and promoting systems that sustain life for current and future generations. Equity, innovation, and urgency are embedded in every aspect of WRI’s work.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter via the WRI Careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply by: May 30, 2025
Link to apply: Visit WRI Careers Portal
Please note: Applications may close early if a high number of qualified candidates apply.
The Living Lab Internship offers a powerful entry point for those passionate about using behavioral science to tackle climate challenges. It’s a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a leading global think tank, while contributing to real solutions that center equity, innovation, and impact.
