How to apply for Student Assistant, Cybersecurity Programme

About Interface

Interface is a German nonprofit think tank based in Berlin that works on information technology and public policy. It connects technology research with government and policy questions, so staff work on issues that affect public institutions and regulation rather than commercial products.

About the role

This is a part-time student assistant role supporting cybersecurity policy research and analysis at the intersection of technology and government. You would research cybersecurity policy, strategies, laws, institutional structures, and state cyber operations, and also help with event preparation and online platform maintenance. The role is 12–15 hours per week, remote, with an initial six-month contract and possible extension up to two years.

A typical day

A typical day might include researching cybersecurity laws or institutional structures, writing up findings for a colleague, and helping prepare materials for an event or updating an online platform. You would work remotely 12–15 hours per week, mostly self-directed, with check-ins as needed. The exact daily routine depends on the team, so ask about typical tasks and communication during the interview.

Who Interface is looking for

• Currently enrolled at a German university, with the ability to work 12–15 hours per week remotely.
• Native German (C2) and fluent English (C1); Chinese language skills are a plus for the Emerging Threats role.
• Strong research skills and able to work in a self-directed way on policy and legal topics.
• Interest in cybersecurity policy, government institutions, and state cyber operations, with enough analytical skill to turn research into clear written output.

Tips for this application

• State clearly in your application that you are currently enrolled at a German university, since this is a hard requirement.
• Specify your German level as C2 or native and your English level as C1 or fluent; if you have Chinese language skills, mention them and note whether you are applying for the Emerging Threats role.
• Show research experience through concrete examples, such as seminar papers, thesis work, or previous assistant roles on policy, law, or technology topics.
• Mention any experience with event preparation or online platform maintenance, because the role includes these tasks alongside research.
• Keep your application focused on cybersecurity policy and government institutions, not general IT or coding skills, since the job is research and analysis oriented.

What to cover in your cover letter

Explain why you want to work at a nonprofit think tank on technology and public policy rather than in industry. Describe specific research you have done on cybersecurity policy, laws, institutional structures, or state cyber operations. Confirm your German C2 and English C1 levels, and mention Chinese if relevant to the Emerging Threats role. Show that you can work independently on research tasks and support event preparation and online platform maintenance.

Research before applying

• Read Interface's publications and project pages on cybersecurity, technology policy, and government to understand their research focus.
• Look up recent German and EU cybersecurity strategies, laws, and institutional structures that Interface may work on.
• Check who funds or partners with Interface to understand its position in the Berlin policy research scene.
• Find out what the Emerging Threats role covers if you are applying for it, and how Chinese language skills are used there.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would research a specific cybersecurity policy or law, and what sources you would use.
• Your understanding of institutional structures and state cyber operations in Germany or the EU.
• How you manage self-directed work and deadlines when working remotely 12–15 hours per week.
• Your language skills in German, English, and possibly Chinese, and how you use them in research.
• How you would support event preparation and online platform maintenance alongside research tasks.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not stating your university enrollment status or language levels clearly, which can lead to immediate rejection.
• Applying with a general IT or software development focus instead of showing policy research and analysis skills.
• Ignoring the part-time and remote nature of the role or failing to show that you can work independently.