Health Researcher

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Come join a hard-hitting, successful medical research 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, and advocate for stronger safeguards for workers.

We are seeking a professional health researcher to monitor and conduct research 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) physician oversight and accountability;  (e) health care systems; (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. As a health researcher, you will produce research reports, submit petitions and letters to government agencies and Congress, make presentations at meetings, and increase public awareness about these issues. Some projects are self-initiated in consultation with the Health Research Group (HRG) Director; others are assigned by the Director.

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. 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 public dissemination.
2. Engage in research-based consumer advocacy on a wide range of health care issues.
3. Review and comment on policies and regulations issued by government health agencies and authorities.
4. Review and comment on health care-related legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress.
5. Review literature, news accounts, government reports, and other sources to identify timely health care issues important to consumers.
6. Serve as a specialist on specific health care issues.
7. Write medical journals articles and commentaries.
8. Give speeches and presentations in educational or public affairs forums.
9. Write content for the next edition of the book Worst Pills, Best Pills and articles for the monthly newsletters, Worst Pills, Best Pills News and Health Letter.
10. Respond to media inquiries.
11. Respond to consumer inquiries.
12. Mentor interns, residents, and fellows, as instructed by the Director.
13. Perform such other duties as are assigned by the Director.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: An M.D., Ph.D. in pharmacology or a related medical or biological science field, or a combined J.D. and M.P.H. Must have an excellent academic record in all cases.

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. Experience with statistical software programs desirable.

Work experience: At least 1 full year of related job experience or training in medicine or a health care-related field after earning an M.D, Ph.D., or J.D./MPH degree. At least 1 full year of research-based health advocacy work preferred.

Capabilities: Must be able to work effectively with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, and adapt to changing situations 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.

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.