Research Intern - Health Policy Studies

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

About the Role

This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours per week over 12 weeks) joins Cato’s Health Policy Studies team, collaborating closely with Michael F. Cannon (Director) and Jeffrey A. Singer, M.D. (Senior Fellow).

You’ll contribute to research on US health policy—regulation, coverage, and delivery—by gathering and analyzing primary sources, tracking state and federal actions, and drafting clear background notes for op-eds, blog posts, and events.

Responsibilities

• Conduct both quantitative and qualitative research and fact-checking to support scholars’ op-eds, papers, and blog posts.
• Monitor pending state and federal legislation.
• Gather data for comparative policy studies across states and countries.
• Plan and coordinate events

Qualifications

• Alignment with Cato’s principles—individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong interest in—and working familiarity with—US health policy (e.g., regulation, insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, state reforms).
• Strong economics background; clear, concise policy writing with precise citations to primary sources.
• Ability to monitor and succinctly summarize state and federal legislative and regulatory developments.
• Data-literate approach to policy analysis (clean documentation; source-labeled tables/charts; careful units/definitions).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Finalists may be asked to provide a writing sample.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.