Office of Translational Research Intern, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

Introduction

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Office of Translational Research (OTR) seeks interns with expertise in epidemiology, data science, and/or statistics. Internships run from Monday, May 4, 2026, through Friday, August 14, 2026. Interns would help with research on cutting edge topics and, depending on skillset, assist the Office with interagency coordination on matters concerning drug policy data, ranging from public health and biomedical research to supply and economics. 

What You’ll Do

This opportunity would benefit the intern in several ways: He/she would have a firsthand view of how the nation’s drug policy, the National Drug Control Strategy, the Drug Data Plan, and the Performance Review System are implemented, assessed, and revised. This is policy that not only has national scope, but international scope as well, dictating how the United States understands drug interdiction efforts, as well as public health activities. Further, he/she would gain exposure to a wide variety of budget and policy areas that have a direct impact on programs and initiatives that save lives and aim to stem the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic and drug crisis. 

Specific opportunities exist to become highly involved in data analysis, data visualization, evidence synthesis (systematic reviews, meta-analyses), scientific and policy writing, and interagency coordination (among other assignments). Examples of projects relate to innovative data collection and harmonization for drug surveillance, data visualizations in response to drug policy gaps (e.g., nonfatal overdose surveillance dashboard), tracking and addressing emerging drug threats, and examining associations between drug seizures, consumption, and adverse consequences of drug use.

Who We Are

ONDCP leads and coordinates the nation’s drug policy to improve the health and lives of the American people. ONDCP is responsible for the development and implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy and Budget. 

The Office of Translational Research (OTR) is the main coordinating body for ensuring that policy development is based on the latest research and data. OTR works closely with other components across ONDCP and the federal government to (1) improve data and data systems to understand the scope and mechanisms of the evolving drug environment and identify the most effective mechanisms for improving outcomes; (2) strengthen and expand methodologies to track and assess trends and patterns in drug use, mortality, treatment, and supply reduction efforts; and (3) analyze implemented drug policies and communicate implications for continued investment. This component leads interagency efforts to improve real-time data collection and other strategic research efforts.

Requirements

Ideal candidates will have a combination of education, skills, and/or experience in statistics, mathematics, quantitative and qualitative research, epidemiology, public health, psychology or other social sciences, economics, or other related fields. Experience collecting, compiling, and analyzing statistical data, developing or conducting research projects, and/or reviewing peer reviewed-scientific literature is also preferred. Applicants must also verify that they meet the below internship requirements.

Interns must: 

• Work onsite at ONDCP’s office located in Washington DC for at least 16 hours per week through the duration of the internship program
• Be enrolled at least part-time in college (as determined by their school’s credit valuation system) on the first day of the internship session
• Pass a background check/drug test
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years of age or older

How to Apply

This is an unpaid internship. Interested applicants should send their resume, transcripts, and cover letter to Madeleine.Steppel@ondcp.eop.gov no later than Monday, January 19, 2026. ONDCP/OTR will review the documents and may reach out to the applicant to conduct an interview if the applicant appears qualified for the position.