Deputy Director – Health Research Group

Come join a hard-hitting, successful research-based consumer health advocacy team working to counter the power of the pharmaceutical, medical device, and other health care-related industries in Washington, D.C. The group was begun in 1971 by Ralph Nader and Dr. Sidney Wolfe. We petition the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take dangerous drugs and devices off the market, call out the FDA when it gets too cozy with the industries it regulates, blow the whistle on unethical clinical trials, work to improve patient safety and state medical board oversight of dangerous doctors, advocate for a national single-payer health program, and promote stronger safeguards for workers.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Deputy Director will have responsibility for research, leadership, and management of a variety of projects and assist the Director in overseeing the work of the HRG. This full-time position will be based at Public Citizen’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The Deputy Director will supervise and conduct research and advocacy projects on a wide range of health care issues and activities involving, among other things: (a) the safety, effectiveness, and regulation of drugs, medical devices, and dietary supplements; (b) occupational health and safety; (c) the ethics and regulation of clinical trials and other human subjects research; (d) health care delivery and health services; (e) physician oversight and accountability; (f) public and private health insurers; (g) consumer product safety; and (h) government agencies including, but not limited to, the FDA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Health Services and Research Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The webpage at www.citizen.org/hrgpublications provides numerous recent examples of our research-based advocacy work. To learn more about Public Citizen, visit our homepage at www.citizen.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supervise and mentor HRG researchers; rotating interns, residents, and fellows; and other HRG staff.
2. Review and edit draft work products written by HRG researchers; rotating interns, residents, and fellows; and other HRG staff.
3. Assist the Director in HRG administrative tasks, including budget planning and allocation of resources.
4. Review and analyze publicly available and other data and documents related to a wide range of health care issues, including those identified above. Based on these reviews, write reports, petitions, and letters for submission to appropriate government agencies and officials and for public dissemination
5. Prepare and present testimony before federal advisory committees and give speeches and presentations in educational or public affairs forums.
6. Engage in research-based consumer advocacy on a wide range of health care issues.
7. Review and comment on policies and regulations issued by government health agencies and authorities.
8. Review and comment on health care-related legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress.
9. Review literature, news accounts, government reports, and other sources to identify timely health care issues important to consumers.
10. Serve as a specialist on specific health care issues.
11. Write medical journals articles and commentaries.
12. Write content for the next (5th) edition of the book Worst Pills, Best Pills and articles for the monthly newsletters, Worst Pills, Best Pills News and Health Letter.
13. Respond to media inquiries.
14. Respond to consumer inquiries.
15. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Director.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: An M.D with a completed residency in internal medicine or family medicine is required. Additional training in public health and knowledge of statistics and epidemiology would be useful.

Knowledge: In depth knowledge of medicine, the U.S. health care system, drug and medical device issues, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and policies. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office environment (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Skills: Strong analytic, scientific methodological, verbal communication, written communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated skill in conducting quantitative research with a record of published research articles. Proven managerial skills, including the ability to plan, supervise, and monitor projects and allocate resources; mentor junior researchers; and supervise a small staff. Experience with statistical software programs would be desirable.

Work experience: Experience working in the areas of drugs and medical devices following residency training. At least two full years of research-based health advocacy work preferred, which could include work in an academic or government setting.

Capabilities: Must be able to work effectively with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, deal with the news media, and adapt quickly to changing situations and fast-moving events on a daily basis. Must evaluate group needs and prioritize time based on these needs.

Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to the public interest and the ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Applicant should be an imaginative self-starter with a willingness to tackle sensitive health policy issues.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Competitive non-profit salary commensurate with experience; good medical and dental coverage; three weeks paid vacation for new employees.

TO APPLY:

Please send resume and a one-page statement about your background, qualifications and interest in public interest work to: HRG Director Dr. Michael Carome, mcarome@citizen.org.