Research Associate

Seven Pillars Institute (SPI) for Global Finance and Ethics is the world’s only independent think-tank for research, education and promotion of financial ethics. 

SPI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, organization whose mission is to highlight and analyze issues of moral philosophy in global financial markets with a view to enhancing ethical practice and policy. At its highest level of aspiration the Institute aims to develop a new theory of finance that incorporates ethics at a fundamental level. SPI is leading efforts to shape the emergent and vitally important and practical field of financial ethics. The Institute encourages work towards and provides the space for this quest.

SPI is affiliated with the University of London (Queen Mary College) and its Fellows and Interns work from around the globe. The Prospect Think Tank Awards 2016 shortlisted and cited the research of Seven Pillars Institute (SPI) on climate change mitigation, praising its “deft work on eco-tourism”. The Awards are an annual recognition of the influential work carried out by think tanks across the globe. The Institute has produced multiple award winning books such as Ethics in Finance: Case Studies from a Woman's Life on Wall Street.

Established in 2010, SPI is building on its early accomplishments. Therefore, SPI is recruiting interns who are looking for opportunities to contribute and help develop an exciting, green field venture that endeavors to make the world a better place. The internship will provide invaluable experience in research and writing. In addition, each intern will be listed and featured on the website of the Institute. Research and writing projects will be attributed to their authors. Consequently, the internship is a unique and rare opportunity for students to publish scholarly work.

This year, the Institute will encourage research on the failure of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, and the related failure of financial regulators. Research will also focus on AI in finance, in particular on the ethics of ChatGPT.

These published works reach a global audience. As a result of this exposure, former interns have been invited to speak at international conferences and have their articles republished in well-regarded academic journals.

At the end of the internship period, the Institute will award a prize for the best essay or research submitted by an intern. The prize comprises a cash award of US$250.  

Ideal candidates will be undergraduate students majoring in Philosophy, Finance, Business, Economics, Public Policy, Politics, History, Law or Journalism or graduate students pursuing a master or doctoral degree in these fields. The candidate should have strong writing and research skills, and be eager to take the initiative. In addition, they should preferably be at ease with online collaboration, effective use of social media and Internet outreach.

The Institute does not require interns to reside in Kansas City, Missouri during the term of the internship. Individual work may be performed offsite while meetings and collaborative work will be done online.

Apart from the essay/research prize, internships are unpaid. Students may apply for credit from their department or school. Successful interns not only will be able to publish their work, but also will obtain a strong letter of recommendation.

Please send a full resume, cover letter, and a writing sample (no less than 500 words) to Dr. Kara Tan Bhala at: kara@sevenpillarsinstitute.org