Graduate Research and Public Policy Intern

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Quincy, MA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), an independent, federally funded state agency, seeks a graduate student or PhD candidate to support community needs assessment, disability policy research, and strategic planning initiatives. The role focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), accessible community surveys, qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, and translating findings into recommendations that inform the Council’s State Plan, public policy priorities, advocacy, and systems-change efforts. The intern will work with Council staff, Council Members, individuals with I/DD, families, advocates, and other community stakeholders. Research will address lived experiences, unmet needs, service gaps, barriers to access, quality of life, and opportunities for independence and community inclusion throughout Massachusetts. The position is part-time and contract, pays up to $32.00 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience, and has a flexible schedule based on academic commitments and agency needs. The work arrangement is hybrid; telework eligibility is subject to agency policy and Executive Director approval. Applicants must be current master’s or doctoral students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and current enrollment in an accredited master’s or doctoral program in public policy, public health, disability studies, social work, sociology, psychology, education, health services research, or a closely related discipline.
Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research, including survey development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Ability to synthesize research findings, identify meaningful trends, and communicate evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
Strong analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and project-management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, summaries, and presentations for diverse audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and meet established deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Demonstrated interest in disability policy, disability rights, accessibility, and community inclusion.

Nice To Haves

Academic or applied research experience involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with online survey platforms such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or comparable tools.

Responsibilities

Assist with the design, implementation, and evaluation of accessible community surveys, needs assessments, and other research involving individuals with I/DD, families, caregivers, advocates, and stakeholders.
Develop accessible, plain-language research materials and survey instruments that accommodate diverse communication, cognitive, linguistic, and accessibility needs.
Apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches to assess community needs, service gaps, access barriers, quality of life, independence, and community inclusion.
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, disparities, emerging needs, and priorities across employment, education, housing, transportation, healthcare, and community services.
Review existing research, public datasets, government reports, and other relevant sources.
Support community-engaged research that incorporates the lived experiences, perspectives, strengths, and priorities of individuals with I/DD.
Prepare accessible research summaries, reports, data visualizations, presentations, and evidence-based recommendations.
Maintain research ethics, confidentiality, informed consent, and data privacy standards.
Research and analyze state and federal disability policies, legislation, programs, and emerging issues affecting individuals with I/DD.
Support the Public Policy Committee through policy research, meeting preparation, legislative tracking, and related activities.
Assist in developing policy briefs, legislative summaries, issue papers, advocacy materials, and presentations.
Translate needs assessment and other research findings into practical, evidence-informed policy recommendations advancing disability rights, accessibility, and community inclusion.
Support legislative trainings, public hearings, educational events, and research activities related to the Council’s State Plan and strategic initiatives.
Collaborate with Council staff, individuals with I/DD, families, advocacy organizations, and community partners to reflect community priorities and lived experiences in research and policy activities.
Support inclusive outreach and stakeholder engagement to encourage participation from people with diverse disabilities, backgrounds, regions, and service experiences.
Identify and help address accessibility and participation barriers in surveys, research, and community engagement.
Assist with additional research, policy, and community engagement projects as assigned.