REMOTE Internship: Research Intern – Neuroscience, Learning and AI in Higher Education

About UN University (UNU) The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. About UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Macau is a research institute at the intersections of digital technology and sustainable development. The Institute conducts policy-relevant research and generates solutions, addressing pressing challenges expressed in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through high-impact innovations and the latest technologies. Through its research, the UNU Institute in Macau encourages data-driven and evidence-based actions and policies to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. One of the Institute’s missions is to nurture the next generation of interdisciplinary computing, information and social scientists, and engineers to be leaders in the field of ICT for development. To this end, the institute seeks to build a team of experts to help deliver the institute’s mission and work plan. The Institute’s research tends to be more applied, and strives for policy impact in the UN system, at international, regional and national levels. The UNU Institute in Macau is situated in the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, and it is the only UN entity in the city. Macau is one of the most dynamic regions in Asia, where technological innovations have become an integral part in driving social and economic change. Macau is part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), that hosts many private sector companies and technological giants that are just a short distance away. Its proximity to China, Hong Kong SAR and other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, provides an exciting opportunity for researchers and experts to maximize the impact of their work. Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Institute Director, the Research Intern – Neuroscience, Learning and AI in Higher Education will contribute to ongoing research for a forthcoming Springer publication on AI and higher education, as well as related policy and knowledge products. Responsibilities of the intern include: Conduct literature reviews and research on neuroscience, learning, education, and AI in higher education. Support research and analysis for the forthcoming Springer book on AI and higher education. Explore how insights from neuroscience and learning science can inform educational policy and practice. Contribute to policy outputs and recommendations, including the use of neuroscience-informed approaches in educational policymaking. Draft and contribute to blogs, research papers, journal articles, and other knowledge products. Support the preparation, organization, and analysis of research materials and evidence. Expected Outputs The intern is expected to contribute to: Research briefs and literature reviews; Policy recommendations on neuroscience, learning, and education; Blog articles and other public-facing outputs; Drafts or contributions to journal articles and academic publications; Research and analysis contributing to the Springer book on AI and higher education. Learning Objectives The intern will gain experience in policy-oriented social science research within a UN research environment. Learning objectives include: Strengthening research skills Developing the ability to translate research findings into policy-relevant outputs Gaining experience of working in the UN Learning how to work in a multi-cultural environment Competencies Core Values: Respect for Diversity Integrity Professionalism Core Competencies: Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues Accountability Creative Problem Solving Effective Communication Inclusive Collaboration Education: Master’s degree or above in neuroscience, education, learning sciences, psychology, AI, social sciences, or a related field. Experience and Skills: Strong research, analytical, and academic writing skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesize academic research. Strong interest in the intersection of neuroscience, learning, AI, and higher education. Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote environment. Language: Excellent written and spoken English. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Stipend N/A Duration of contract: The duration of the internship is 2 months. Anticipated from October 05 (Monday) to December 04 (Friday), 2026 Expected start date: October 05, 2026 How to Apply: Application Procedure Interested candidates should submit their application containing: 1) Brief cover letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post; 2) Current and complete CV in English; 3) Examples of relevant research work in English. Candidates invited for interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents: 1) Document(s) confirming your education status (e.g. transcript or proof of enrollment); 2) Proof of health and life/accident insurance valid for the duration and location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have health and life insurance. Application Deadline: September 18, 2026 (11:59pm, Macau time zone GMT +8) ** Application page no longer operational beyond application deadline. Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, and references. Special notice This is a remote internship. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position. The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNU but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Interns may not represent UNU in any official capacity. Interns do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. Scam warning UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.