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.
We are considering applications for winter internships.
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.
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.
Internship Projects Winter 2009-2010
NUTRITION & PUBLIC POLICY
This project covers a broad area of topics related to nutrition and health policies. Current issues include nutrition education, health-care reform, food additives, restaurant foods, vitamins, saturated fats, synthetic foods, pesticides 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.
GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
Grassroots interns work closely with CSPI staff to implement field campaigns by engaging citizen support of obesity and nutrition policy at the federal, state, and local level. Responsibilities include conducting outreach to CSPI members, organizations and grasstops, coordinating legislative and activists meetings, and implementing a free-media campaign. Other activities include circulating flyers and petitions at local community events, some data entry, and other duties as assigned. Interest in health and nutrition a plus.
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.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
The CSPI Biotechnology Project addresses scientific concerns, government policies, and corporate practices concerning genetically engineered (GE) plants, animals, and other organisms that are released into the environment or that may end up in our foods. Current issues include advocating a mandatory approval process at the Food and Drug Administration for all GE foods, strengthening the environmental regulation of biotechnology products at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, publicizing the benefits and risks of biotechnology, and ensuring that developing countries have access to biotechnology. Applicants should have some background in the biological sciences and must submit a writing sample.
LITIGATION PROJECT
Just this year, CSPI created a Litigation Project. In addition to its longstanding advocacy before federal and state agencies such as the FDA and the FTC, CSPI will join in existing private consumer fraud, products liability, and personal injury lawsuits where it can assist private lawyers to have the insights of CSPI. In addition, CSPI is developing its own advocacy lawsuits, working with private lawyers across the country to bring them. Many of the legal issues 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) either in Washington or in Dallas, where CSPI’s Litigation Project is based.
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