Research Specialist in International Pharmaceutical Policy Research

About PORTAL
Established in 2012, PORTAL is a leading academic research center dedicated to studying the regulation, use, evidence, and affordability of prescription drugs. Led by six Harvard Medical School faculty from a variety of disciplines, PORTAL brings together expertise in medicine, law, epidemiology, health policy, economics, and ethics to conduct rigorous research that informs policymaking. Learn more about PORTAL.

PORTAL is based in the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an interdisciplinary, 90-member research hub focused on improving our understanding of prescription drug safety and effectiveness since 1998.

Position Details
PORTAL seeks a Research Specialist or Senior Research Assistant to support a research program at the intersection of international trade, pharmaceutical markets, and regulatory policy. The position is well suited to a recent master’s graduate or exceptional undergraduate who plans to pursue a terminal degree (MD, JD, PhD) and wants substantive, hands-on research experience before doing so.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Thomas Hwang, faculty member of PORTAL who leads the Cancer Innovation and Regulation Initiative, and collaborators on projects examining how drug prices vary across countries, how trade policies shape pharmaceutical markets, and how differences in international drug and medical device regulation affect access, innovation, and competition. The role may include the opportunity to spend 1-2 months in Zurich, working with close collaborators at ETH Zurich / University of Zurich (eligibility for Zurich placement may depend on work authorization).

The position will involve preparing policy briefs and presentations; assembling, cleaning, and analyzing large datasets; conducting literature reviews and synthesizing academic, policy, and regulatory material; reading and extracting information from foreign-language sources, including regulatory filings, government reports, and policy documents; and helping manage project timelines. The successful candidate will receive close faculty mentorship and interact with policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Applicants must have completed their undergraduate training and preference will be given to applicants holding a master’s degree or planning to complete such training by September 1, 2027. This position is immediate start and involves a 1-year minimum commitment. Primary location in the Boston area is preferred, but the position can involve some hybrid remote time. We are also open to applicants proposing part-time work. Visa sponsorship may be available for international applicants.

This position is benefits-eligible, with a typical starting annual salary in the range of $40,000-$60,000 depending on level of post-baccalaureate training and years of research experience.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of undergraduate training.
• Professional working fluency in German, Japanese, or another European language, in addition to English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least some Master’s degree-level training.
• Experience working at or with an international organization or a national health agency or ministry.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical markets, health technology assessment, drug pricing and reimbursement, trade policy, or medical product regulation.

To Apply
Submit the following materials via the application form by 11:59pm ET on October 15, 2026:

• A 1-2 page cover letter describing your past work, research interests, and career goals
• A CV
• A short writing sample (e.g., a first-authored research paper, a thesis chapter, or excerpt from course assignment)

Select candidates will be contacted for interviews after the deadline. Questions? Contact Matt Martin (mmartin55@bwh.harvard.edu).

Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law.