Summer Health Policy Intern

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 and fellows 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/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.