Back | Research and Policy
Overview
The field of research and policy broadly describes career paths associated with the intersection of research, technology, government and society. Specifically, jobs in the field will include working for academic institutions, research organizations, think-tanks, development consultants, federal agencies and policy groups.
Positions in research and policy are often funded through large grants from the government or federal agencies (PEPFAR or NIH), foundations (Bill & Melinda Gates), private businesses (Goldman Sachs), endowments or multi-lateral funding agencies (GAVI or the Global Fund). Work in this field helps shape future global health practice and policy at the community, national and international levels.
Education Requirements
Entry-level positions – research assistant, program assistant, research analyst – in the field of research and policy will require at minimum a BA or BS, often specializing in a policy or technical degree. As a competitive field, inexperienced job candidates can expect to have to work their way up, often from an internship or entry-level, non-technical position.
A Master’s or Doctoral degree or will open doors to more senior-level positions and opportunities for independent research. These positions – professor, director of research, principal – will often require additional experience and technical expertise.
Hear from a Duke Alumna
Christine McKenna. B.A. Public Policy ’08
Manager
Global Health Strategies
Example Employers
Below please find a small sample of example organizations that have been categorized by their more specific area of work:
Academic Research Institutions
Duke University Global Health Institute
Development Consultants
Federal Agencies
Policy Groups
Think Tanks
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