Now Hiring: Research Director @ Public Citizen, Washington, DC

[Sherry Joseph]

Position Available - Research Director, Access to Medicines & Knowledge Economy

 

Public Citizen serves as the people’s voice in the nation’s capital. For four decades, we have proudly championed citizen interests before Congress, the executive branch agencies and the courts. We have successfully challenged the abusive practices of the pharmaceutical, nuclear and automobile industries, and many others. We are leading the charge against undemocratic trade agreements that advance the interests of mega-corporations at the expense of citizens worldwide.

Public Citizen’s access to medicines and knowledge economy group challenges the drug corporations’ monopoly power to make medicines affordable for all. We also fight for consumer interests related to intellectual property and the information economy, with recent examples including internet freedom and privacy. We analyze new developments in policy and law. We lobby, organize and provide technical assistance to partners in the U.S. and around the world.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:  The Research Director will join an ambitious national campaign to lower medicine prices in the United States, and may support other group priorities including global access to medicines. The Research Director will produce reports, analysis and expert testimony, and identify lines of research that support the campaign’s goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Research Director’s responsibilities include:

·         Conceptualize and develop strategic research agendas in group priority areas, which include access to medicines and U.S. federal and state health systems among others.

• Conduct intensive and specialized research, consulting relevant bodies of academic and professional literature, news sources and experts. Track and analyze political, scientific and literature developments.   
• Write reports for publication and analysis for internal use, ensuring high standards of clarity, logical argument, accuracy and completeness.
• File freedom of information requests, comments to agencies or testimony to legislatures as required.
• Supervise research fellows, interns and staff as required.
• Provide technical assistance to partners including government agencies, legislatures and civil society organizations, among others. Speak at public events and to the press, representing Public Citizen.
• Advocate and campaign on behalf of the group as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Knowledge: Subject matter expertise required. This may include access to medicines, health systems (state, federal or international), pharmacoeconomics, health rights, administrative law or intellectual property, among others.

·         Work Experience: Several years post-graduate professional experience, or doctorate or equivalent, required. Advocacy experience preferred.

·         Skills: Excellent research, writing and analysis skills required. Advance professional method skills required (example: legal research). Excellent communications, strategy and advocacy skills preferred. Cross-cultural facility and language skills helpful.

·         Capabilities: Ability to work alone and in collaboration; attention to detail and technical accuracy; ability to envision project development and complete work on deadline; commitment to standing up to corporate power; flexibility and ability to respond quickly to new developments.

·         Conditions: Passion for the subject matter and for research; commitment to advancing the public interest; good humor and discretion. Some travel may be required.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Good medical and dental coverage. Three weeks paid vacation for new employees and more.

TO APPLY: Submit a note of interest, resume or C.V., two reference contacts and two writing samples unedited by anyone other than the applicant to medsa...@citizen.org. This is a grant-contingent position.

Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a non-smoking workplace.  Visit our website at www.citizen.org/.