UNU Macau Remote Research Internship

The United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau), a UN research institute working where digital technology meets sustainable development, wants someone to spend two months, from 5 October to 4 December 2026, working remotely on its research into neuroscience, learning and AI in higher education. The work feeds a forthcoming Springer book on AI and higher education and related policy papers, under the supervision of the Institute Director. UNU's posting is unclear on pay: its header shows $550 per month, but its Stipend section says N/A.

What you get:

• Two months of research experience inside a UN research institute, supervised by UNU Macau's Institute Director
• A hand in a forthcoming Springer book on AI and higher education, alongside research briefs, policy recommendations, blog articles and journal article drafts
• Practice in turning research findings into policy-relevant outputs, and in working in a multicultural UN team
• A fully remote placement

What you'll do:

• Run 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 neuroscience and learning science can inform education policy and practice
• Help write policy recommendations, including neuroscience-informed approaches to education policymaking
• Draft blogs, research papers, journal articles and other knowledge products
• Prepare, organise and analyse research materials and evidence

Key dates:

• Vacancy posted 9 September 2026
• Applications close 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm Macau time (GMT+8), which is 15:59 UTC
• Shortlisted candidates send proof of education status and of insurance before their interview (no date given)
• Internship anticipated from Monday 5 October to Friday 4 December 2026

More information:

• The posting does not state weekly hours or a working time zone; the only clock it names is Macau time (GMT+8), for the deadline
• UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position
• The internship is meant to complement your studies and carries no expectation of a job at UNU afterwards
• UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness or death during the internship, and the selected intern must hold their own health and life insurance
• The application page stops working after the deadline
• UNU says it never charges any application, processing, interviewing or testing fee, and asks applicants to ignore any request for one

• A Master's degree or above in neuroscience, education, learning sciences, psychology, AI, social sciences or a related field
• Strong research, analytical and academic writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to run literature reviews and synthesise academic research
• A strong interest in where neuroscience, learning, AI and higher education meet
• Able to work independently and effectively in a remote environment
• Excellent written and spoken English; working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage
• Open to candidates of any nationality; UNU strongly encourages applications from developing countries and from women
• Apply online with a brief cover letter, a current CV and examples of relevant research work, all in English; the form also asks for a copy of your highest degree certificate, a current research sample and a motivation statement of up to 300 words
• Candidates invited to interview must first send documents confirming their education status (for example a transcript or proof of enrolment) and proof of health and life or accident insurance valid for the duration and location of the internship
• Selection may include a desk review, a competency-based interview and references