Advertising Summary: The Congressional Healthcare Policy Fellow Program provides pharmacists with a 14-month immersive experience in U.S. healthcare policy and legislative processes. Fellows work on the staff of a congressional committee or member of Congress and gain experience in communication, policy development, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration.

Unit: School Of Pharmacy MBU

Department: Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science

Department Summary: The School of Pharmacy has a 126-year tradition beginning with the Medical College of Virginia and continuing to the present. Ranked in the top 20 of Schools of Pharmacy nationwide, the school is dedicated to graduating outstanding future pharmacists and scientists who will improve human health, foster exemplary research, and provide sustaining contributions to inter professional patient care. 

Postdoctoral scholars are eligible for a generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off and more. Postdoctoral scholars should clarify with their mentor if their appointment is as a postdoctoral scholar-trainee on a training grant, or a postdoctoral scholar-fellow who is an employee on a research grant. Please note: Benefits associated with postdoctoral appointments terminate when the appointment ends. Explore our benefits further.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Researching and drafting briefs, memoranda, speeches, and hearing questions.
• Performing policy analysis, legislative evaluation, and developing legislation.
• Planning and contributing to office policy and management issues.
• Engaging in advocacy program development and implementation.
• Mentoring congressional interns and engaging with stakeholders, constituents, and agencies.
• Participating in onboarding activities with ACCP, ASHP, and the Georgetown Government Affairs Institute, then serve ~12 months in their placement office.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PharmD degree from an accredited U.S. school/college of pharmacy.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Willingness to reside in the Washington, D.C. area for the program’s duration.
• At least one year of residency training OR several years of professional experience, ideally involving direct patient care.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Basic analytical and collaboration skills.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, and open to learning about policy and legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a postdoctoral fellow at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in, or experience with, advocacy or awareness of political, healthcare, and/or social issues.
• Excellent succinct writing skills, particularly for non-health professional audiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with stakeholders.
• Self-awareness and adaptability to navigate the fast-paced policy environment.
• Passion and willingness to grow their policy and legislative knowledge — no prior expertise required.

Salary Range: $70,000.00

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Remote

University Job Title: Congressional Healthcare Policy Fellow

Rank: Non Faculty

Months: July 6, 2026 through August 31, 2027

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Kristin Zimmerman
Contact Email: kzimmerman@vcu.edu