Intern programme
Since 2018 the JCBRN Defence COE has offered an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of internship in the setting of NATO military body, focusing on enhancing the knowledge and skills in a specialized international environment. In addition to the well-established student internship program with the Hague University of Applied Sciences, the JCBRN Defence COE also runs a open-call comprehensive internship program designed for student or graduate outside applicants.
Interns are involved in various projects, research activities, and training exercises, working alongside experienced professionals from NATO member states, as well as non-NATO partners. The program aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of CBRN threats and the measures required to mitigate them, preparing interns for future roles in national and international defence organizations. Participants benefit from mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities within the international defence community, making it a valuable stepping stone for careers in this critical field.
The open calls for the Spring cycle internships applicants passionate about the domains of CBRN Defence or international security cooperation are published regularly in the Fall and are open to university students or graduates of bachelor or master’s programme.
Vacancy announcements
The JCBRN Defence COE is pleased to announce its Spring 2026 Internship Cycle!
This unpaid internship is a unique opportunity for students and graduates from NATO member states to experience working in a NATO Military Body and contribute to the Alliance by conducting a CBRN defence-related research project or taking part in some of the Centre's daily activities. No specific background is required, and both natural and social science majors are encouraged to apply.
The Eligibility Criteria for Internship
- Applications are limited to nationals of NATO member States. Applicants from NATO Partner countries and others may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the start of the Internship.
- Candidate must be a current student or a graduate of a university or other higher education programme. No specific background is required, and both natural and social science majors are encouraged to apply.
- NATO Security Clearance is desirable but not required.
- The official working language of the JCBRN Defence COE is English. Therefore, proficiency in English (CEFR C1) is required.
Internship Conditions
- All internships take place in Vyškov, Czech Republic.
- Internship will start on 01 April 2026 and can last up to the end of 31 June 2026. Both start and end dates are flexible and may be adjusted at the candidate's request.
- The internship is not remunerated. Interns are personally responsible for costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses.
- The JCBRN Defence COE may facilitate private accommodation at a discounted rate within the military garrison.
- Interns cannot be considered as NATO employees and are thus not covered by the provisions of NATO SOFA and the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
- Interns are responsible for their own health, accident insurance and medical care.
Internship Topics and Assignments
- The internships offered by the JCBRN Defence COE are traditionally research-focused; however, practice-focused, hands-on assignments are possible as well, based on the candidate's background.
- If opting for a research-focused internship, the interns will be expected to produce a research paper in co-authorship with a JCBRN Defence COE staff member, who will also be assigned as their supervisor for the duration of their internship.
- Candidates are encouraged to provide their own research proposal together with the internship application. Alternatively, they may select or be assigned a research topic by the JCBRN Defence COE. Some of the topics that the intern may focus on in this case include, but are not limited to, the following research areas:
- Climate change and its implications on military operations with a focus on the CBRN domain
- Countering the Hybrid CBRN Threats – Role for JCBRN Defence COE
- CBRN Defence as a Deterrence Tool
- The practice-focused assignments may include ad hoc organisational or administrative team support tasks, as well as subject matter-related activities:
- Analysis of communication strategies used within other COEs and NATO
- NATO CBRN Standards management
- Interns may participate in the JCBRN Defence COE events or courses, when appropriate.
Internship Application Process
- Candidates for Internship will submit the formal Application by e-mail to postbox@jcbrncoe.org with the subject “Spring 2O26 Internship Application”, including their Curriculum Vitae, a brief motivation letter, and their preferred subject of the internship (either selected or own suggestion).
- The JCBRN Defence COE may contact the candidate and, if necessary, request further clarification.
- Once the call for applications has been closed, the Selection Board will shortlist the best-suited candidate(s). Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online, and if successful, the JCBRN Defence COE Director will provide final approval. After the final decision is made, the selected candidates will receive an offer of an internship.
The deadline for Applications is 12 December 2025.
