The Center for Science in the Public Interest is a national consumer organization that focuses on health and nutrition issues. CSPI offers internships for a small number of qualified students in
undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical schools each summer and during the school year.
Background:
CSPI was started in 1971 by three scientists who saw the need for an organization to evaluate the effects of science and technology on society and to promote national policies responsive to consumers' interests. CSPI focuses primarily on health and nutrition issues, disclosing deceptive marketing practices, dangerous food additives or contaminants, and flawed science propagated by profits. Findings are communicated in press interviews and a variety of educational materials, which include reports, books, posters, software, videos, and the Center's Nutrition Action Healthletter.
Applications for most summer 2010 internships will be considered in February/March. However, if you are interested in a summer 2010 litigation internship you may submit your application now.
Generally, an internship is for ten weeks. We have a limited number of paid internships: undergraduate interns are paid an hourly wage of $8.25/hour; and graduate students earn $9.25/hour. We also offer unpaid internships. The specific dates of an internship are flexible and depend on our needs and the applicant's schedule. Application materials should include the following:
1. A cover letter indicating issues of interest, future plans, and dates of availability.
2. A résumé. Experience with advocacy groups is advantageous.
3. Writing sample, if required by the specific project (a popularly written piece is preferred over a technical report).
4. Two letters of recommendation from instructors or employers that address your academic/work ability and character. Please include the letters when you submit your cover letter and resume, if possible. Otherwise, the letters can be sent separately.
5. An official transcript of courses and grades.
Email to: hr@cspinet.org; or mail to Internships, CSPI, 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, #300, Washington, DC 20009.
Please submit the application materials as early as possible. Applications are taken on a rolling basis and until all positions have been filled. Awards for internships are very competitive. Applicants are advised to follow the application guidelines. If you have any further questions, please write to our Human Resources Director.
Nutrition and Public Policy
This project covers hot topics related to nutrition and health policies. Current issues include school foods, food additives, food marketing to children, obesity prevention, and microbial contamination of foods. Projects may involve research for policy analysis and development, op-ed pieces, reports, tracking legislation and regulations and assisting in policy advocacy. Applicants should have a strong college-level science, public policy or law background and must submit a writing sample.
Legal Affairs
CSPI's attorneys work with project directors and scientists to develop strategies for legislation and regulatory action. Interns help prepare legal documents and research issues involving food and drug law and consumer protection. Second and third-year law students who have completed administrative law are eligible to apply and must submit a writing sample. Preference will be given to students who have completed course work in food and drug law and/or consumer protection. A science background is useful, but not required.
Food Safety
This project covers a broad array of topics, divided into the following areas of concentration; the production and inspection of meat, poultry, and seafood, sustainable organic agriculture, food additives, and pesticide safety. Interns must have a strong background in either toxicology, biochemistry, biological sciences, law or public health. Applicants should have strong writing and computer skills and must submit a writing sample.
Litigation
The Litigation Project uses state and federal courts to help correct corporate misbehavior. The project brings its own advocacy lawsuits, working with private lawyers across the country. CSPI's legal filings have produced binding settlements resulting in more honest labeling of artificial ingredients and halting deceptive marketing. Many of the legal matters in these cases are developing issues with many interesting questions of both law and social policy. Law students will work with Director of Litigation Stephen Gardner (a nationally recognized consumer advocacy lawyer) and the Litigation Project staff either in Washington or in Dallas at the project headquarters.
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