Research Intern Fall 2026

Research Intern, Fall 2026 

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 interns to join PHR’s Research, Legal and Advocacy (RLA) team. 

Location: New York, New York (hybrid) or remote   

Reports to: Deputy Director of Research 

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 motivated and detail-oriented intern to support the Research, Legal, and Advocacy (RLA) team's research portfolio. The research intern will work closely with RLA staff on background research, literature review, and monitoring of current developments across PHR's core human rights issues, including crowd control weapons, attacks on healthcare in conflict, and conflict-related sexual violence. The intern will also support research on the human rights impact of foreign assistance and aid cuts on health systems, and will help monitor international human rights mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Council and relevant treaty bodies, where PHR's research and documentation inform advocacy. 

This internship is ideal for a student interested in a career in human rights research, international law, or public health, who wants hands-on experience supporting report research, drafting, and international advocacy tracking at a leading human rights organization. 

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: 

• Conduct background research and literature reviews on human rights topics relevant to RLA's work, including crowd control weapons, attacks on healthcare in conflict, conflict-related sexual violence, and the human rights impact of foreign assistance and aid cuts 
• Monitor current events and developments at relevant international human rights mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Council and treaty bodies, flagging opportunities for PHR engagement 
• Assist with drafting research summaries, briefing materials, and internal memos to support RLA's reports and advocacy strategy 
• Support fact-checking and citation review for PHR publications 
• Help compile and organize research materials and sources for ongoing investigations 
• Attend the weekly RLA huddle and contribute research updates as relevant 
• Assist with additional research and administrative tasks as needed to support RLA's work 

Qualifications and Experience   

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program required; coursework in international relations, human rights, law, public health, or a related field preferred 
• Strong research and analytical skills required 
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information clearly 
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with RLA staff 
• Prior research experience (e.g., thesis work, research assistantship) strongly desirable 
• Comfort with spreadsheets and database tools a plus   
• Foreign language skills a plus (Ukrainian, French or Arabic preferred), though not required 

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 for applicants based in NYC.  
• We welcome applications from candidates located out of state. Candidates based in the Washington, DC area strongly encouraged to apply.  
• Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.  
• The internship will commence in September with at least a 12-week commitment.  

How to Apply  

Please apply through our application form. You'll be asked to upload your resume and cover letter as part of the application. Please note, we will accept applications until 11:59 PM ET Monday, August 24, 2026.