Science Policy Internship

Position Overview: Nonprofit organization is seeking a student currently enrolled in undergraduate- or graduate-level studies in public policy, government affairs, or a related field for a Spring 2027, unpaid, part-time, remote internship focused on advancing federal science and research policies that reduce and replace animal experimentation.

About the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Industry: Nonprofit organization

The Physicians Committee's Mission and Vision: The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. Our vision is to create a healthier world in which health and compassion are central values in science and medicine.

The Physicians Committee's Values:

• Compassion: We encourage compassion for people and animals.
• Health: We promote good health through good nutrition. We practice what we preach by having a vegan office environment, ongoing nutrition education, and a culture that supports health and wellness.
• Truth: We base our recommendations on evidence, not on biases or what is commonly accepted.
• Professionalism: We hold our work to the highest standards, down to the last detail. This shows up in our scientific publications, our campaign work, and our public communications, and also in our appearance, our work ethic, how we keep our workspaces and take care of our resources, our focus on professional development, and the courtesies we extend to others.
• Action: We speak out against unhealthful, dangerous, and unethical practices. We push limits and persevere.
• Innovation: We bring new approaches to solving problems and continually seek ways to be more effective. We are not afraid to take risks.
• Urgency: Our problems are urgent, and so are our responses. We stay alert to issues that need our attention and stay in close touch with one another and with our members and partners so we're able to take immediate action whenever necessary.
• Dedication: This is a cause, not just a job. We go the extra mile to bring about a healthier, more compassionate world.
• Collaboration: Working together, everyone achieves more. We collaborate with each other, with our members, and with other organizations.
• Positivity: We approach our work with optimism. We plan with the end in mind and envision success.

Location of Organization: Washington, D.C.

Organization Size: Approximately 100 employees

Learn More About the Physicians Committee: We invite you to visit our website at PCRM.org or our YouTube channel.

About the Internship

Position Title: Science Policy Intern

About the Research and Regulatory Affairs Team: The Physicians Committee's Research and Regulatory Affairs team is composed of experts in human-relevant research, education, and testing methods. We collaborate with regulatory, industrial, and academic scientists to develop, assess, and promote alternatives to the use of animals in science. We engage decision-makers in government and industry to make change.

About the Internship: The intern will learn about the federal appropriations process and how Congress and federal agencies shape science and research policy, with a focus on efforts to reduce and replace animal experimentation. The intern will gain hands-on experience researching policy issues, supporting congressional appropriations requests, and developing advocacy and educational materials. They will also learn how scientific evidence is used to inform policy and advocacy strategies.

Internship learning opportunities may include:

• Researching federal science and research policy related to reducing and replacing animal experimentation
• Supporting congressional appropriations requests and developing advocacy and educational materials
• Attending congressional meetings, briefings, hearings, and other relevant events
• Tracking relevant legislation and federal policy developments

All interns will receive an orientation at the start of their internship and ongoing support from their staff mentor. The Physicians Committee will assist the intern in obtaining course credit, if applicable.

Work Location: Remote. The Physicians Committee can accept applications only from people who will be living in and working from the following jurisdictions for the duration of the internship: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. Interns located in the Washington, D.C., area may have the opportunity to visit our Washington, D.C., office and to participate in in-person activities and events. Please note that we cannot accept applications from applicants working in locations outside of the United States.

Required Travel: None

Time Frame and Work Schedule:

• Time frame: 3.5 months starting approximately January 2027
• Work Schedule: 8–10 hours per week between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, ET.

*The start and end dates and hours can be somewhat flexible to accommodate the intern's academic program.

Compensation: This unpaid volunteer internship is not available as employment.

Reports To:

• Internship Mentor: Advocacy and Policy Program Manager
• Department Director: Director of Research Policy

Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Pursuing an undergraduate degree or above, with an interest in public policy, animal advocacy, government affairs, or a related field.

Work Experience:

• Required: None
• Preferred: Experience in advocacy or lobbying is preferred.

Additional Qualities:

• Required: Alignment with the Physicians Committee's mission to reduce and replace animal experimentation in scientific research.
• Preferred:
  • Interest in or familiarity with science, research, or STEM-related topics.
  • Located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and available to attend occasional in-person events.

How to Apply

Application Materials: We require a formal cover letter and resume to apply. In your cover letter, please tell us about your interest in science and research policy, your interest in the Physicians Committee's mission to reduce and replace animal experimentation, your related experience and accomplishments, and your professional goals. Please also include a writing sample. You may be asked to respond in writing to screening questions.

Application Deadline: Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Process:

• Step 1: 45-minute Zoom interview with our Advocacy and Policy Program Manager
• Step 2: Follow-up 30-minute Zoom interview with our Director of Research Policy
• Step 3: Reference checks with the two most recent direct mentors or supervisors

For More Information: Contact the Physicians Committee's human resources department at careers@pcrm.org.