Toxicology and Regulatory Testing Internship

About the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

The Physicians Committee is leading a revolution in medicine—putting a new focus on health and compassion. The Physicians Committee combines the clout and expertise of more than 12,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of 150,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Since 1985, the Physicians Committee has been working for alternatives to chemical tests on animals and advocating for more effective scientific methods. Our staff of physicians, dietitians, and scientists is working with policymakers, industry, the medical community, the media, and the public to create a better future for people and animals. We invite you to visit our YouTube channel, our website, and Physicians Committee president Dr. Neal Barnard’s blog.

About this Internship Opportunity

The Physicians Committee’s Toxicology and Regulatory Testing team finds and implements science and policy-based solutions to reduce and replace the use of animals in tests conducted by pesticide, chemical, drug, and cosmetic companies.

Students or recent graduates with a background in public health or the life sciences who would like to make a real world impact on this important ethical issue while developing communication, research, policy, and analytical skills should consider applying for this unique opportunity to join a dynamic public health advocacy and research organization.

The Toxicology and Regulatory Testing Intern will work with our Regulatory Testing Policy Specialist on researching and preparing educational materials (web and print), assisting with grassroots, media and educational aspects of our campaign to encourage cosmetic companies to stop testing on animals, assisting with the team’s lobbying activities, including tracking Capitol Hill visits and preparing materials, and assisting with the preparation of reports for the public or for peer-reviewed publication on topics related to animal testing. 

Interns may also have the opportunity to participate in campaign events, staff education sessions, journal article discussions, Capitol Hill briefings, and other Physicians Committee events. All interns will receive a full-day orientation at the start of their internship and ongoing support from their staff mentor.

Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for Physicians Committee’s mission to promote alternatives to the use of animals in research, training, and testing is essential
• Applicants should be undergraduate or graduate students majoring in a life science, such as biology, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, biochemistry, or public health
• Strong interest in the application of scientific evidence to campaigns and public policy
• Strong research and writing skills

Terms: The Physicians Committee is located in the Metro-accessible Friendship Heights neighborhood in Washington, D.C. This unpaid volunteer internship is not available as employment. Free housing accommodations at our guest house near our office may be available if needed. Interns may be reimbursed for taking public transit to the office. The Physicians Committee will assist interns in obtaining course credit if applicable. The ideal candidate will be able to intern at least 20 hours a week, commit at least two months to the internship, and start in September. Start and end dates are flexible.

The Physicians Committee welcomes applications from students or recent graduates from outside the US.

How to apply: Click here to complete our online internship application. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis for the fall semester.

For more information about the Physicians Committee’s internship program, contact the Human Resources department at careers@pcrm.org.