Spring Internship – Policy and Research

Phrma; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

PhRMA HQ in Washington, DC, invites graduate students in public policy and related fields to join a Spring Internship in Policy and Research. The program offers hands-on support to multiple teams, exposure to health policy issues, and opportunities to contribute to real-world analyses.

As an Intern, you will collect and summarize primary research, help draft talking points and backgrounders, and collaborate across departments.

Qualifications

• Current graduate student in public policy, public health, political science, government affairs, economics, law or communications with an interest in health/life sciences policy, research, and politics.
• Preferred candidates will have completed at least one year of their graduate degree program.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Collecting, tracking, analyzing and/or organizing primary research related to the healthcare industry and health policy.
• Researching legislation, policy issues, and proposals.
• Participating in drafting, writing, editing, and managing talking points, slide decks, reports, or backgrounders.
• Reading, summarizing, and managing primary literature and research across a wide variety of topics.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Time management

Education

Graduate student in public policy / public health / political science / government affairs / economics / law / communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Spring Internship – Policy and Research

Policy & Research & Membership Intern PhRMA HQ - Washington DC, Washington, DC, US

Overview

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking an internship candidate to support department initiatives, activities and priorities. The Intern will assist members of the Policy and Research department, while collaborating with multiple teams across PhRMA.

Department Description

The primary objective of the Policy and Research Department is to develop and disseminate public policy positions and analysis that can be used effectively in PhRMA-wide education, legislative, regulatory, and communication efforts. More specifically, the department is responsible for:

• Conceptualizing and managing both in-house and external research efforts to support advocacy and communications priorities.
• Developing policy proposals, strategies and analysis as part of PhRMA’s efforts to drive and reframe the policy debate on terms favorable to access and innovation.
• Leading regulatory efforts at HHS/CMS.

The intern will gain experience in a wide range of issues. Examples include health policy, public health, research and development, healthcare economics, Medicare, Medicaid, State and Federal issues, innovative medicines, and regulatory and legislative processes.

This is a paid position. This internship will run from January 19, 2027 to April 16, 2027, and the intern will work up to 25 hours per week for a 3-month term. The internship is available as an in-person (Washington, DC), remote, or hybrid internship opportunity.

Responsibilities

The Intern’s responsibilities may include:

• Collecting, tracking, analyzing and/or organizing primary research related to the healthcare industry and health policy.
• Researching legislation, policy issues, and proposals.
• Participating in drafting, writing, editing, and managing talking points, slide decks, reports, or backgrounders.
• Reading, summarizing, and managing primary literature and research across a wide variety of topics.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current graduate student in public policy, public health, political science, government affairs, legislative affairs, economics, law or communications with an interest in health/life sciences policy, research, and politics.
• Preferred candidates will have completed at least one year of their graduate degree program.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Attention to detail and ability to be consistent with details throughout tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to strategically and creatively process information.
• Curiosity to stay abreast of current industry trends.
• Ability to manage and complete projects end-to-end in a timely manner.
• Strong desire to build relationships/collaboration skills.
• $25 - $35 per hour based on the level of degree program.

Who we are

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. PhRMA member companies have invested more than $900 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, and they support nearly five million jobs in the United States.

PhRMA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time.