1

Science Policy Internship Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Legislative Policy Intern Job Location: 1110 W. Washington St ... Interns are hired on a temporary basis and are typically part-time (under 20 hours weekly). This ...

Pharmacist - Clinical

Tucson, AZ

$112K - $133K/yr

... policies, and standards. Provides education to pharmacy interns, students and PGY1 residents ... Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and ...

Showing results 21-40

Science Policy Internship information

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a science policy internship?

As a Science Policy Intern, you can typically expect to assist with policy research, drafting briefing documents, and helping to analyze scientific data relevant to policy decisions. You may also attend meetings with stakeholders, support the organization of events or workshops, and contribute to the preparation of reports or presentations. Interns often work closely with policy analysts, scientists, and communications teams, providing exposure to the collaborative nature of the field. This hands-on experience is valuable for understanding how scientific evidence informs policy-making in real-world settings.

What is the difference between Science Policy Internship vs Science Policy Analyst?

AspectScience Policy InternshipScience Policy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically undergraduate or graduate students, some internships may require relevant courseworkBachelor's degree in science, public policy, or related field; often requires experience or advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often in government agencies, NGOs, or research institutionsFull-time, ongoing role in government, think tanks, or policy organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations to train future professionals; entry-level opportunityProfessional role involving policy analysis, advocacy, and strategic planning

While a Science Policy Internship offers hands-on experience for students or early-career individuals, a Science Policy Analyst is a full-time professional responsible for analyzing and developing science-related policies. Internships serve as a stepping stone, whereas analysts hold more advanced, ongoing roles in shaping science policy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science policy intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Policy Intern, you typically need a background in science or public policy, strong research and analytical skills, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with policy databases, literature review tools, and software like Microsoft Office or data visualization platforms is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and adaptability help interns effectively convey complex scientific issues to diverse audiences. These skills are vital for bridging the gap between scientific research and policy-making, ensuring evidence-based decisions and impactful advocacy.

What is a science policy internship?

A Science Policy Internship is a short-term position designed to give students or recent graduates hands-on experience at the intersection of science and public policy. Interns typically assist with research, analysis, and communication of scientific information to inform policy decisions. These internships can take place in government agencies, non-profits, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. They provide valuable exposure to the policymaking process and help interns develop skills in writing, communication, and critical thinking relevant to science policy careers.
Infographic showing various Science Policy Internship job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

$107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship:
    • Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Language:
    • Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Licensure:
    • Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
      • Exception: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) not to exceed 2 years from date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed.
  • Education:
    • Applicant must have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicants are to be employed. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, the term "specialty area" refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills. Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology; OR
    • Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re-specialization program (including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the re-specialization program) meeting both of the following conditions:
      • The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program; AND
      • The specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. OR
      • Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.
AND
  • Internships:
    • Applicants must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed OR
    • New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern OR
    • VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement OR
    • Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed OR
    • Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
  • GS-11 Experience:
    • None beyond the basic requirements listed above.
  • GS-12 Experience:
    • Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.
      • Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies.
      • Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures.
      • Ability to conduct research activities, such as designing and implementing clinical research projects (staff psychologists with specified research job duties).
      • Ability to perform basic research tasks of scholarship and research execution within the context of an established research team, including research participant relations, research documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, and collaboration.
  • GS-13 Experience:
    • Applicants must have at least 2 years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • Knowledge of, and ability to apply, professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations.
      • Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health.
      • Knowledge of clinical research literature

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-13.
Physical Requirements:
  • The work requires the Staff Psychologist to be independently mobile throughout the medical center as needed. Significant time is spent reading (charts, reports, etc.), documenting in the computerized patient record, and verbally communicating with patients, colleagues, supervisors and/or community partners. Some standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderately heavy) may be involved. S/he should be capable of prolonged movement and be physically capable of reading patient records/reports, documenting all clinical encounters in the patient computerized record.
Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER