Medical and Human Rights Research Intern

Medical and Human Rights Research Intern, Spring 2025 

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document human rights and humanitarian law violations and prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Medical and Human Rights Research Intern.

Location: New York, New York (hybrid)

Reports to: Medical Director

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

Internship Description

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is looking for a highly motivated, capable intern with prior research experience who would like to gain direct experience working on a range of projects to research and document health effects of human rights, help develop and strengthen communications among US and global networks of medical and public health networks, and conduct background desk research to inform ongoing research and advocacy projects. The intern will work directly with PHR’s medical director and participate in strategy, planning, research, and advocacy meetings. 

This internship is ideal for a student training in medicine and/or public health who seeks to include a commitment to and expertise in health and human rights in their professional work. You will be given exposure to a variety of PHR’s international and domestic research, capacity building, and policy efforts on issues such as human rights in armed conflict, medical impartiality, international anti-torture initiatives, international justice, refugee and asylum protection, police excessive force, dual loyalty, and criminalization of abortion care.

The intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Undertaking research and analysis to support PHR research projects
• Conducting background research for PHR research projects
• Assisting with efforts to strengthen PHR US and global networks of medical and public health experts and engage them in communications and joint activities.
• Assisting with the development of research, policy papers, blog posts, briefing materials, press releases, and internal memos regarding PHR’s research, investigations, and advocacy initiatives.
• Contributing to the development of strategic partnerships to promote PHR’s advocacy priorities.
• Assisting with general program and administrative work, including meeting preparations, background research, data entry, and internal reporting.
• Managing internal databases of contacts and assisting with regular outreach to key stakeholders at the national and international level.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study required; previous coursework in international development/relations, public policy, human rights, or related field preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills required, including excellent editing skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with PHR staff and external partners
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights and health
• Mature judgment, strong integrity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through
• Previous experiences with policy or advocacy, through coursework, volunteer, or professional experience at local, national, or international level strongly desirable.

Location and Hours

• The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
• We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
• Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
• The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Medical and Human Rights Research Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.