Research Intern - Liberal Studies

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Professor Deirdre N. McCloskey is one of the most diverse scholars in the classical liberal tradition — an economic historian, philosopher, rhetorician, and public intellectual whose work covers the history of the bourgeois economy, the rhetoric of economics, the ethics of markets, statistical theory, and the intellectual foundations of liberalism. 

Her recent and ongoing projects include the economic history of English agriculture, the relationship between theology and economics, the intellectual history of freedom, and a series of books exploring liberty and equality. 

Interns work directly with Professor McCloskey on active manuscripts and research projects — the specific work varies by term and project stage, but usually includes manuscript editing, bibliographic and source research, and independent scholarship conducted under her guidance.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit and proofread manuscript drafts—applying the Chicago Manual of Style with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Research current projects and upcoming publications, including source verification, footnote creation, and bibliography compilation.
• Summarize and synthesize relevant academic literature, historical sources, and primary texts as assigned.
• Pursue independent research interests under Professor McCloskey's guidance — past interns have worked on computational text analysis, intellectual history, theology and economics, and agricultural history.
• Support other writing and research tasks as needed for projects.

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with Professor McCloskey's published work is essential — applicants unfamiliar with her scholarship should not apply; strong candidates will have read at least one of her major books and be able to engage meaningfully with her arguments.
• Deep interest in economic history, the history and philosophy of liberalism, or a related field, grounded in and aligned with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong qualitative research and writing skills, including experience with academic prose and close reading of complex texts.
• Proficiency in Chicago Manual of Style footnote and bibliography formatting.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citations, and written output, as well as consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced coursework or independent research in economic history, intellectual history, philosophy, rhetoric, or a field that intersects with Professor McCloskey's work.
• Experience in copyediting, fact-checking, and source verification within an academic setting.
• Quantitative or computational skills — including R and text analysis methods.
• Knowledge of a relevant language (such as German, French, Latin, or others) is a plus for projects involving historical sources.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss their familiarity with Professor McCloskey's work during the interview.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, D.C.  

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.