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:
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
This is your opportunity to get involved in communicating to the public about health policy, keep a small nonprofit running smoothly, work with healthcare and health policy experts, and directly provide accurate information about a wide range of health issues to patients, consumers, health professionals, and the public. Our largest program is our Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund.
This position will start in November 2023 (we will be flexible about holiday plans you’ve already made, etc). The National Center for Health Research is a small nonprofit located in Farragut Square just a few blocks from the White House, and this position requires being located in the DC area to work in the office at least 2 days/week.
We need a smart, dedicated, multi-tasking professional who wants to make a difference on a national and personal level. The position involves traditional nonprofit office work, as well as writing articles for our website, managing our social media, supervising interns, and working with other staff to respond to requests for evidence-based healthcare information.
The successful candidate will have outstanding written and oral communication skills (including WordPress, Canva, Publisher, and social media), excellent interpersonal skills, be very detail-oriented, have a good sense of humor, and the desire to do work that will benefit others.
This position is approximately half-time and requires a college degree and some office experience. Must be able to make at least a 1-year commitment and be available to work in Washington, DC. Excellent benefits and opportunity for advancement.
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to info@center4research.org and list “Assistant to the President” in the subject line.
Starting half-time salary : $20,000.00 to $25,000.00/year depending on experience and qualifications.
No calls please.
HEALTH POLICY DIRECTOR
Terrific opportunity for former Capitol Hill staffer who wants to influence health policy and the quality of medical care while working more reasonable hours!
Must have experience working on Capitol Hill or directly with Hill staff. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience working on Capitol Hill on health issues with HELP or Energy & Commerce staff (preferably 3+ years working on or with Capitol Hill staff) and will have an educational background that includes knowledge of medicine, health policy, or public health.
Apply now for a position beginning in November or December. Send a resume and cover letter explaining how your experience fits with our work and including your available start date and salary requirements to info@center4research.org .The National Center for Health Research is a nonprofit public health think tank that conducts research, analyzes research, and explains the implications of research to policy makers and their staff, the media, and the public. We do not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, or chemical companies. 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. Our office is in Washington, DC next to Farragut Square, convenient to red, orange, blue and silver metro lines. We are working in the office 2-3 days/week.
Excellent benefits and salary commensurate with experience and relevant skills.
No calls please.
FELLOWSHIPS
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 and wants to influence public health and health policies. Learn first-hand about the Washington policy scene by gaining hands-on experience with federal agencies and policy makers!
We are seeking candidates with expertise in quantitative research who can interpret and “translate” research findings into compelling and persuasive information for patients, consumers, and policy makers. 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. $50,000-80,000/year plus benefits (depending on education and experience) for full-time work (must be at least 32 hours per week). Must be willing to commit for 12 months, and will be eligible for promotion. Our office is a few blocks from the White House.
One Fellowship position is now open, so interested candidates should apply as soon as possible. Send a resume and cover letter explaining your goals for the Fellowship to info@center4research.org. Include your available starting date and numbers of hours per week in your cover letter. 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. This will be a hybrid position (in-person some days every week), so consider it located in Washington, DC.
INTERNSHIPS
Summer Internships are for graduate students or recent graduates who are available at least 32 hours/wk for at least 3 months in the summer. Please note: You must be available to be located at least part-time in the DC area at the time of the internship to be considered for a position.
Applications for summer 2024 internships will be accepted starting in January 2024. If interested, please send your resume and cover letter 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, and communications/media relations. 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 policy, 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 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:
- 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.
- Reaching out to provide useful health information to college campuses, students, and other young adults.
The following summer internships include stipends. If you are applying for a paid internship, 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 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. Stipend is approximately $500/month for 3-6 months, depending on the hours available. Preference is given to seniors, graduates, and graduate students.
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 $300-500/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 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 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.