Research Director

Public Citizen•Washington, DC

4d•$109,492 - $133,498

About The Position

Research Director with outstanding investigative reporting skills and accomplishments to develop sources and assemble information to better understand what is going on at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other HHS agencies and government health agencies under the second Trump Administration. Research will be used both to increase public awareness about the issues and to identify public health topics about which Public Citizen may litigate. The projects may include but are not limited to research reports for the Health Research Group, citizen petitions and letters to government agencies, and presentations at meetings. The senior investigator will examine, among other things: (a) closure and disruption of health subagencies, mass firings, grant cuts and the failure to perform required duties, and the impact on real people; (b) corporate influence at HHS and subagencies; (c) the undermining of Medicare and Medicaid, including through the expansion of Medicare Advantage; (c) regulatory and other attacks on the Affordable Care Act, including the expansion of junk health insurance plans; (d) the effects of severe Medicaid cuts; (e) conflicts of interest; (f) the undermining of sound science at HHS; and related topics. Some projects will be self-initiated in consultation with the Health Research Group Director; other will be assigned by the Director. This is a two-year position.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree. Further education (M.P.H., other master’s degree, Ph.D. M.D., or D.0.) desirable. Must have a strong academic record.
Knowledge: Subject matter expertise about medicine, health care and public health required. Deep working knowledge of HHS, FDA, CDC, NIH, CMS and other HHS agencies preferred.
Skills: Strong analytic, scientific methodological, verbal communication, written communication, and organizational skills. Experience with spreadsheets and statistical software programs desirable.
Work experience: Ten years post-graduate professional experience as a researcher or reporter or the equivalent. Substantial experience as an investigative reporter in medicine, health care or public health preferred.
Capabilities: Ability to work effectively alone and in collaboration. Must be able to work effectively with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and promptly adapt to changing situations. Must evaluate group and organizational needs and prioritize time based on these needs.
Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to the public interest and the ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment. High energy, enthusiasm, persistence and attention to detail. A passion for the subject matter and for investigations; good humor.

Responsibilities

Review and analyze publicly available and other data and documents about a wide range of health care issues, including those identified above.
Coordinate with the Public Citizen Litigation Group on research questions related to potential topics and opportunities for healthcare-related litigation.
Write reports, petitions and letters for submission to appropriate government agencies and officials.
Follow-up on selected inquiries and requests, assess these inquiries and requests and gather additional information as needed. Based on these assessments, advise the Director about potential next steps.
Review literature, news accounts, government reports and other sources to identify timely health care issues that may be relevant for litigation or other Health Research Group activities.
Respond to media inquiries.
Write medical journal articles and commentaries.
File Freedom of Information Act requests.
Perform such other duties as are assigned by the Director.