The National Center for Health Research is a nonprofit think tank that bridges the gaps between research, healthcare, and health policy. Our work helps improve the lives of adults and children across the country. We have the following openings:
Postdoctoral fellowship in Health Research and Policy
Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
Duration: 6–12 months (with potential for renewal or advancement)
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time or part-time (minimum 20 hours/week)
Salary Range: $65,000–$90,000 annually (depending on education, experience, and hours)
The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship position for individuals passionate about applying rigorous research to improve U.S. health policy.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical or research training to real-world health policy, working on a team to influence and share information with federal agencies, congressional staff, and the media.
What We’re Looking For: We seek intellectually curious, mission-driven candidates who:
- Hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent (or ABD) in public health, epidemiology, medicine, psychology, or related fields
- Have strong biostatistics expertise
- Excel at translating complex research findings into clear, compelling writing for both scientific and lay audiences
- Bring excellent literature review skills
- Is a team player with a commitment to public service, scientific integrity, and the quality of medical care for all adults and children in the U.S.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze and interpret peer-reviewed studies to assess their clinical and policy relevance
- Write evidence-based content for the public, policy briefs, and regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, CMS)
- Participate in national meetings and federal advisory panels
- Collaborate on articles and policy comments published on our sites: center4research.org and stopcancerfund.org
To apply, please submit the following to info@center4research.org:
- Your resume or CV
- A cover letter explaining:
- Your goals for the fellowship
- How your background aligns with our mission
- Your available start date and weekly availability
This is an immediate opening. Early submissions are encouraged.
No calls please.
INTERNSHIPS
Applications for Summer 2025 internships at National Center for Health Research in Washington, DC are currently being accepted! If interested, please send your resume and a cover letter describing your interests and the weeks and hours per week that you are available for the internship to info@center4research.org.
Paid and unpaid summer Internships are primarily for graduate students or recent graduates who are available at least 32 hours/wk for at least 3 months in the summer. Internship (and Fellowship) opportunities are also available for former federal employees looking to get involved with a nonprofit that works on U.S. health issues. Stipends are modest. Please note: You must be available to work at least 2 days/week (probably Tuesday and Thursday) in our DC office to be considered.
Through these opportunities, you’ll learn first-hand about the Washington policy scene and gain hands-on experience in several possible areas, including government relations/public policy development, and communicating research information and other evidence with policy makers, media, and the public. The National Center for Health Research is a non-profit think tank that makes a difference in the lives of millions of adults and children by 1) connecting with policy makers and decision makers on a national level to change public policies, 2) working closely with the national and international media to get our message out to the public, and 3) working with independent researchers from around the country to bring fair, unbiased and non-corporate-funded information to the public about timely medical, public health, and health policy issues such as the safety and affordability of medical products and treatments, improving public health, and so much more.
Our interns become part of our team by working on various projects such as:
- Writing or co-authoring fact sheets, briefing materials, and letters to Congress and the Executive branch
- Editing and co-authoring articles for our websites, reports, and journal articles
- Attending briefings on Capitol Hill, policy panel meetings, and policy-oriented meetings with representatives from other non-profit think tanks and advocacy organizations. You can attend hearings and watch as we testify at Advisory Panel meetings of the FDA, CMS, CDC, and other federal agencies. These may be in-person or virtual.
- Creating and sharing content for our social media accounts that clearly communicates important health and mental health information to the general public
- Researching and analyzing data, reviewing and critiquing research studies, and helping gather information for presentations and policy forums
- Helping to gather information that is used to update our web articles and respond to helpline requests for health information
- Reaching out to provide useful health information to college campuses, students, and other young adults
The following summer internships//fellowship include stipends. If you are applying for a paid internship or fellowship, specify which one in your cover letter.
Janice Bilden Cancer Prevention internship: This intern will focus on reviewing new studies and updating our web articles to reflect the latest research on cancer prevention, including diet, exercise, and other health habits as well as avoiding dangerous exposures. This internship is limited to a graduate student or young professional with a graduate degree. Stipend is $500-750/month for 3-6 months, depending on experience and the hours available.
Susan Wood internship or fellowship: This intern will focus on women’s health, with a focus on the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments. Preference will be given to seniors, graduates, or graduate students. Stipend is approximately $300-500/month for 3-6 months, depending on experience and the hours available.
Topics for both internships include cancer prevention and treatment, the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments and products, women’s health, mental health, toxic exposures, and other critical health issues.
We are especially interested in at least one intern with a solid background in public health and/or biostatistics and one who excels at explaining complex information to the public. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to info@center4research.org.
Our Summer 2024 Interns
Our 2024 summer interns spent July 23 on Capitol Hill. They attended a hearing about the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the House of Representatives, a briefing on vaping at the U.S. Capitol, and had a tour of the Capitol. It’s great that so many hearings and briefings are in person again!
Some comments from our 2023 interns:
“As an intern at NCHR, I learned how research and coordination of different strategies are needed to make effective changes in health policy. Everything needs to be backed by evidence, or else your argument is not credible. After interning, I now know where to best find the evidence and how to explain it so anyone will understand the point we are trying to make. And I was glad to have the opportunity to transition to staff at NCHR after my internship was over.”
“During my internship at NCHR, I received extensive guidance and constructive feedback from senior staff on research and writing concerning health-related topics. This experience was more than practical training in health policy research; it also nurtured in me a strong sense of social responsibility regarding the oversight of medicines and medical devices entering the market—an invaluable lesson for all citizens.”
“My internship exposed me to the intricate process of policy development and advocacy, which emphasized the significance of strong teamwork and well-researched arguments. I learned how to navigate various research information, analyze it effectively, and communicate findings clearly. This experience deepened my understanding of how research can drive meaningful change in the healthcare policy landscape.”
Some comments from our previous interns:
“This internship really forced me to flex muscles I hadn’t previously practiced, particularly those involved in translating scientific literature for an everyday audience. I learned how to actively engage with research journals in a way that tested my understanding, as nothing confirms learning like being able to teach it to someone else.”
“The relationships I formed with the staff and the interns are some I will cherish forever. My summer in DC allowed for personal growth that I wasn’t necessarily expecting, and I left the city feeling accomplished in my ability to flourish in my own independence and determination because of the opportunities and individuals I interacted with at NCHR.”
“My internship experience really motivated me to pursue a medical career that involves clinical medicine, journalism, and policy work. I was intrigued by the work being done by non-profit organizations and the internship compelled me to continue health policy research once I graduate.”
“I learned a different way of consuming and communicating medical and public health research. We turned the research into material that’s accessible for the general public, and that is a type of material I haven’t been asked to write before. This helped me identify the most important and understandable parts of the research.”
“The internship experience I have had at NCHR has been invaluable. From attending congressional briefings to researching and writing articles for the website, I have learned so much about the world of health policy. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work for an organization that always puts the health of the patient first.”
“In writing tweets and articles for NCHR, as well as assisting with comments submitted to federal health agencies, I have learned to succinctly articulate health research and policy to a variety of audiences and critically assess differing perspectives on health issues.”
“By attending congressional briefings and researching current health issues, I learned how to critically and objectively analyze research regarding drugs and medical devices.”
“My experience interning at NCHR has given me an incredible foundation of knowledge and skills. It’s broadened my perspective of health policy, allowed me to understand a wide range of emerging health issues, and taught me to write concisely. I look forward to using what I’ve learned here in my future studies and work.”
“Attending congressional briefings and creating content for both our website and social media has allowed me to gain specific skills and experiences that I will be able to use throughout my entire career!”