Research Assistant Health & Life Sciences

Access Partnership • Washington, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Access Partnership is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious Research Assistant to support client projects, policy research, international health policy coalitions, and stakeholder engagement activities in its Health & Life Sciences practice in Washington, D.C. The practice advises pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, industry associations, and other healthcare stakeholders on public policy, regulatory affairs, market access, and global health priorities.

This is a paid, fixed-term, full-time fellowship lasting approximately five months. It is designed for a recent university graduate or a current or recent master's student interested in health policy, public policy, life sciences, market access, or international affairs. The Research Assistant will work alongside experienced consultants on client assignments and gain experience in policy research, industry analysis, coalition work, advocacy, strategic communications, project management, and event delivery.

The role combines desk research and policy analysis with drafting written materials, coordinating events, and engaging professionally with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders. The position is hybrid and may involve supporting engagements outside Washington, D.C., including occasional domestic or international travel. Strong performers may be considered for a permanent entry-level position after the fellowship, subject to performance, business needs, and available budget.

Requirements

• Strong interest in healthcare policy and the life sciences industry.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and a proactive approach to supporting client engagements.
• Willingness to support events and client engagements outside standard business hours when required.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally occasionally when required.

Nice To Haves

• Recent university graduate or current or recent master's student interested in health policy, public policy, life sciences, market access, or international affairs.
• Prior experience in health policy, public health, international affairs, public affairs, government, consulting, research, advocacy, or event coordination.

Responsibilities

• Monitor U.S. and international health policy, regulatory, and political developments relevant to the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
• Conduct desk research on healthcare systems, public health priorities, pharmaceutical policy, market access, health innovation, and related topics.
• Develop research summaries, policy briefs, stakeholder profiles, landscape assessments, and other analytical materials for client decision-making.
• Research global health priorities, international policy frameworks, and government positions to inform coalition strategies and advocacy activities.
• Assist in developing policy recommendations, advocacy materials, briefing documents, stakeholder maps, and other outputs.
• Coordinate with coalition members and external stakeholders, including preparing agendas, documenting discussions, tracking action items, and following up on agreed activities.
• Support the planning, preparation, coordination, and delivery of domestic and international client engagements, including policy dialogues, roundtables, official meetings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
• Assist with event logistics, including scheduling, participant coordination, invitations, registration, venue arrangements, virtual meeting setup, and event materials.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Health & Life Sciences practice and, where appropriate, other teams across Access Partnership.
• Participate in project discussions, share research findings, and seek feedback to strengthen analytical and consulting skills.
• Maintain organized research records, documentation, and project materials in accordance with team processes and quality standards.
• Demonstrate flexibility, professionalism, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Benefits

• Paid, fixed-term, full-time fellowship.
• Hands-on experience in policy consulting and direct contribution to client work.
• Opportunity to work on substantive projects for clients across the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
• Opportunity to develop practical skills in policy research, analytical writing, strategic communications, coalition-building, and consulting.
• First-hand experience supporting international health policy coalitions, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.
• Opportunity to support domestic and international policy dialogues, roundtables, official meetings, conferences, and other engagements.
• Opportunity to learn from experienced professionals working at the intersection of healthcare, industry, and government.
• Strong performers may be considered for a permanent entry-level position at the conclusion of the fellowship, subject to performance, business needs, and available budget.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed