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Intelligence Scholar

CIA Intelligence Scholars research, write, and teach on all aspects of CIA history. They have access to original source material. Their writings include short essays as well as book-length histories.
  • Full-Time
  • $112,015 - $183,500
  • Master’s degree
  • Advanced degree, record of published historical writings.
Express Interest

Agency-wide Requirements

All applicants must be:

  • U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
  • Able to complete security and medical evaluations
  • Registered for the Selective Service

About the Job

As an Intelligence Scholar for the CIA, you will demonstrate expert knowledge about the intelligence profession and advanced skills in planning, researching, writing, and briefing studies about the profession. Intelligence scholars engage in documentary research and conduct oral interviews with a broad range of Agency and IC officers, including senior leaders of the Agency and the IC and those who have performed an important role in the event or issue being studied. You will fill gaps in Agency and IC history, and identify lessons and best practices that will help intelligence officers address problems more effectively and efficiently in the present and in the future.

Additionally, Intelligence Scholar’s may mentor, function as the senior expert on some aspect of the intelligence profession, work as a team or project lead, speak to formal or informal training activities, and engage with distinguished political, academic, and business leaders.

Intelligence Scholar’s enhance the effectiveness of the CIA by understanding its past, assessing current best practices, and preparing the community for future challenges. In addition, studies cover the whole range of CIA activities to include lessons learned.

This is your opportunity to make a difference by identifying and preserving for future use those innovations and best practices that intelligence officers need to rely on in order to perform their many missions.

Who You’ll Work With

At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.

Read more about diversity and inclusion

What You’ll Get

Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.

As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.

Learn more about working at CIA

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in one of the following fields or related studies:
    • History
    • Political Science
    • Public Administration
    • International Relations
    • Economics
    • Anthropology
    • Sociology
    • Geography
  • At least a 3.5 GPA on a 4-point scale
  • Excellent research, organizational and writing skills
  • Detail oriented and strong critical thinking skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to assign, review and supervise the work of others
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation