Research Policy Lead

Position Overview

Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization working to replace the use of animals in research is seeking a professional with a minimum of five years of federal lobbying experience to promote alternatives to the use of animals in medical research through legislative advocacy and outreach.

About the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Industry: Nonprofit organization

Mission and Vision:
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. Our vision is to create a healthier world in which health and compassion are central values in science and medicine.

Values:

• Compassion: We encourage compassion for people and animals.
• Health: We promote good health through nutrition. We practice what we preach by maintaining a vegan office environment, offering ongoing nutrition education, and fostering a culture that supports health and wellness.
• Truth: We base our recommendations on evidence, not biases or common assumptions.
• Professionalism: We hold our work to the highest standards in all areas, including scientific publications, campaign work, public communications, appearance, work ethic, workspace management, and professional development.
• Action: We speak out against unhealthful, dangerous, and unethical practices, pushing limits and persevering.
• Innovation: We continuously seek more effective solutions, taking risks and developing new approaches to solve problems.
• Urgency: We stay alert to urgent issues and respond quickly through collaboration with our members and partners.
• Dedication: This is a cause, not just a job. We are committed to going the extra mile to bring about a healthier, more compassionate world.
• Collaboration: We achieve more by working together, both internally and with external partners.
• Positivity: We approach our work with optimism and a clear vision for success.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Organization Size: Approximately 100 employees.

Employee Benefits

• Health Insurance: 100% of the deductible and 75% of the premium paid for full-time employees.
• Dental Insurance: Available at a group discount.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 403(b) plan with a matching contribution of $0.50 per dollar up to 6% of salary.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: For health care and dependent care expenses, allowing some expenses to be paid on a pretax basis.
• Pretax Purchase of Metro Fare.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance: Fully paid by the Physicians Committee.
• Paid Time Off: 20 days to start, plus 14 paid holidays.

Visit our website at PCRM.org or our YouTube channel to learn more.

About the Role

Position Title/Job Function: Research Policy Lead
Objective: Replace the use of animals in medical research through legislative advocacy and outreach.

About the Research and Regulatory Affairs Team

The Physicians Committee’s Research and Regulatory Affairs team includes experts in human-specific, non-animal research, education, and testing methods. We collaborate with regulators, private industry, academic scientists, and policymakers to develop these methods and improve human health. We also engage with grassroots advocates, legislators, and the media to further our mission.

Essential Functions

• Advocacy and Outreach: Lead congressional outreach efforts to promote human-based research alternatives through lobbying, communications with members of Congress, educational briefings, and meetings.
• Build collaborative relationships with research agencies, congressional staff, academic scientists, and other organizations.
• Represent the Physicians Committee in various settings, including Capitol Hill staff, research agencies, academic audiences, the public, and our membership.
• Manage research policy outreach activities, such as conferences, briefings, workshops, and symposia, and assist with logistics for the Research and Regulatory Affairs department.
• Conduct research, prepare policy materials, and create/update resources advocating for non-animal research methods.
• Support Physicians Committee scientists and lobbyists in their efforts to replace animal use in research.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Physical Abilities Required: Office work with occasional travel within the Washington, D.C., area for events.
Work Location: Can be performed remotely from within the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.
Required Travel: Frequent visits to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with estimated travel outside the metropolitan area about twice per year.
Work Schedule: Full-time exempt position (40+ hours per week). Core business hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, ET.
Position Level: Coordinator
Salary Range: $78,000 to $82,000, depending on education, experience, and skills. Candidates are encouraged to discuss salary with the hiring manager early in the interview process.
Reports To: Director of Research Policy

Qualifications

Education:

• Required: None
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree

Work Experience:

• Required: Minimum of seven years of relevant work experience, including at least five years of federal lobbying experience.
• Preferred: Minimum of nine years of relevant work experience, including at least seven years of federal lobbying experience.

Additional Qualities:

• Required: Knowledge of federal lobbying processes and activities.
• Preferred:
  • Proven success in congressional advocacy.
  • Strong relationships with congressional staff.

How to Apply

We require a formal cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, share your interest in our mission, relevant experience and accomplishments, and professional goals. You may also be asked to respond to screening questions in writing.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Process:

1. 30-minute video interview with our Director of Research Policy.
2. 30-minute video interview with our Regulatory Policy Lead.
3. Half-day remote working interview, including a two-hour sample project.
4. 1.5-hour video meeting with Research and Regulatory Affairs team members.
5. 15-minute video interview with Physicians Committee President Dr. Neal Barnard.
6. Reference checks with your three most recent direct supervisors.

For more information, contact our human resources department at [email protected].