National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Position:Health Communications Intern OR Science Writing Intern
Date:Spring 2009
Contact: M. Teresa Estrada, Ph.D.
Director, Health Communications Internship Program
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Blvd., Ste. 502
Rockville , MD 20852
Phone: 301-451-8826
Fax: 301-402-3509
Email: HCIP-Contact@mail.nih.gov
Hours:
Paid:
Deadlines:Applications for Spring semester due no later than September 2, 2008
Brief Job DescriptionThe National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the largest component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.

The HCIP was established in 1975 to attract individuals interested in careers in health communications and science writing. The program is open to individuals who are US citizens and who are graduate students or recent graduates of an accredited master's or doctoral degree program.

Recent graduates must have received their degree no more than one year prior to application.
Additional Information, Application Procedure Ideal candidates for the health communications track have some science background as well as experience or background in any of the following areas: public health, epidemiology, public relations, health education, communications, science writing, statistics, social marketing or journalism. Health communication-track interns:
  • Plan, develop, and promote cancer education programs and materials (including Web-based) for the public, cancer patients, or health professionals
  • Gain experience in pre-testing and evaluating cancer prevention and treatment messages, publications and materials, and programs that reach the American public
  • Participate in professional meetings and training seminars
Ideal candidates for the science writing track have a science background plus experience in public relations and/or news writing with the ability to translate technical information into copy suitable for a lay audience. HCIP science-track interns:
  • Write fact sheets and press releases
  • Answer inquiries from the press
  • Attend and report on scientific meetings
  • Participate in professional meetings and training seminars
Apply online! Additional information about this program including an online application can be found at http://hcip.nci.nih.gov/. See website for more details.

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