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:
Health Policy Associate
The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) is seeking a Health Policy Associate to focus on a range of health policy issues that affect the quality and affordability of medical care. NCHR is a small, private nonprofit think tank located in Washington, D.C. This individual will report to the Health Policy Director, focusing on the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biologics, and medical devices, especially pertaining to FDA standards and policies. Responsibilities include interacting with legislative offices in the Senate and House of Representatives, conducting research related to federal policies, and helping respond to requests from Members of Congress. The Health Policy Associate will also be responsible for drafting oversight letters, research summaries, and other policy products, as well as other duties as assigned. As an integral part of NCHR’s health policy team, the successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task. The ideal candidate is a team-oriented problem solver who consistently exercises excellent judgment and can also work independently when necessary. Graduate degree in health policy or related field is required. Demonstrated experience in relevant policy issues is preferred. Prior experience working on or with Capitol Hill is a plus, but not required.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to info@center4research.org. For more information about our Center, see www.center4research.org
FELLOWSHIPS
6-Month and 12-Month Fellowship Positions open at National Center for Health Research with Opportunity for Renewal or Advancement
Fellow (PhD, MD, MPH, or ABD):
Terrific opportunity for someone with a PhD, MD, MPH or similar graduate degree who recently completed their degree or post-doc or wants to move into the policy arena. Learn first-hand about the Washington policy scene by gaining hands-on experience with federal agencies and the U.S. Congress!
We are seeking an experienced professional with expertise in quantitative research who can interpret and “translate” research findings into compelling and persuasive information for the public, policy makers, and potential funders. A doctorate or ABD in epidemiology/public health, medicine, psychology, or a closely related field is required. Excellent understanding of public health statistics and oral as well as written communication skills are also required. Experience working on or with Capitol Hill is a plus. $50,000-70,000/year plus benefits (depending on experience) for full-time work (must be 32 or 40 hours per week). Must be willing to commit for 6 months or 12 months, and will be eligible for promotion. Our office is a few blocks from the White House.
A Fellowship position is now open, so interested candidates should apply as soon as possible. Send a resume and cover letter to info@center4research.org. For more information about our Center, see www.center4research.org and www.stopcancerfund.org. For more information about our policy work, see the policy and media sections of those websites. Include your available starting date and numbers of hours per week in your cover letter. This will be an in-person position (it is currently hybrid), so consider it located in Washington, DC.
No calls please.
INTERNSHIPS
Fall, Spring, and Summer Internships are held for undergraduate or graduate students or recent graduates who are available at least 24 hours/wk for at least 3 months during the school year and at least 30 hrs/week for 3 months in the summer. Please note: Our spring 2022 internships will be in-person at our office in Washington, D.C. for at least part of the semester, rather than remote.
Apply now for a spring 2022 internship by emailing a cover letter and resume to info@center4research.org!
Through these internship 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, communications/media relations, and/or non-profit fundraising and development. 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 working closely with the national and international media to get our message out to the public. We connect with policy makers and decision makers on a national level to change public policy. We work with independent researchers from around the country to bring fair, unbiased and non-corporate-funded information to the public about timely issues that matter to adults and children, such as obesity, the safety and affordability of medical products and treatments, sexual assault, and so much more.
Our interns become part of our team by working on various projects such as:
- Helping to gather information that is used to update our web articles and respond to helpline requests for health information.
- Writing or co-authoring fact sheets, briefing materials, and letters to Congress and the Executive branch. Editing and assisting with our website, co-authoring reports, grant proposals, 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 with Members of Congress and their staff and watch as we testify at Advisory Panel meetings of the FDA, 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.
- Assisting with fundraising activities, including social media and other outreach.
- Reaching out to provide useful health information to college campuses, students, and other young adults.
Research, Communications and Policy internship: Learn about the Washington, D.C. health policy scene while communicating about a range of health issues. Gain experience writing and editing articles and reports, and learn to use social media to influence people and policies. There will also be opportunities to develop your ability to interpret research results in ways that help you prepare for graduate school or a research position.
Internships with Stipends:
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 approximately $750/month for 3-6 months, depending on the hours available.
Jack Mitchell Health Policy internship: This intern will focus on a range of health policy issues pertaining to the safety and effectiveness of medical and consumer products. Preference will be given to new graduates or graduate students with health policy background or experience. Stipend is approximately $500/month for 3-6 months, depending on the hours available.
Omega Logan Silva internship: This intern will focus on women’s health. Preference will be given to seniors, graduates, or graduate students. Stipend is approximately $500/month for 3 months, depending on the hours available.
Topics for all the internships include cancer prevention and treatment, covid-19, the safety 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. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to info@center4research.org.
Some comments from our 2021 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.”
Some comments from our 2019 interns:
“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!”
Some comments from our 2018 interns:
“I will really cherish my lessons from this summer and the interactions that I have had with all of the incredibly impressive NCHR employees. Your mission and passion have really inspired me this summer.”
“Being an intern at NCHR has opened my eyes to the intricate world of health policy and has motivated me to continue working toward solutions that serve the patient first. This organization truly creates an impact on improving health standards, and I am grateful to all the employees here for guiding me throughout the summer.”
Some comments from our 2016 interns:
“I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful internship. I’m grateful for this opportunity to have learned so much from this organization. I feel far more prepared for my future now! Honestly, everyone in this office is so lovely, not to mention incredibly impressive, and I’ve gained so much just from being around all of you.”
“Thank you so much for the incredible semester. You have created a welcoming and stimulating work environment, and I am grateful for everything I have learned from it. From briefings to staff meetings, I feel as though you were always willing and excited to be mentors and teachers.”
Click to read an interview with our former intern Samantha Kahn, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania.