BioNJ Social Impact Fellowship

Fellowship Description

BioNJ is excited to offer a GradFUTURES fellow the opportunity to learn and grow in biopharmaceutical and Patient advocacy communications, marketing, public policy and advocacy. The BioNJ GradFUTURES fellowship will offer the selected fellow with a comprehensive understanding of the policy and Patient advocacy landscape in the life sciences ecosystem, with an emphasis in health equity. The fellow will collaborate closely with BioNJ’s Sr. Vice President of Communications and Marketing and Vice President of Government Affairs, respectively, on projects supporting BioNJ's Patient advocacy and public policy goals.

Duties & Responsibilities (Examples)

Research and data compilation to ascertain a baseline of New Jersey’s diversity in clinical trials versus other states.
Research and data compilation to create a virtual portal featuring best practices, tools and examples to learn from in the area of DEI and health equity in clinical trials.
Collaborate with Member companies and State partners to gather available third-party datasets.
Assist in developing BioNJ public policy and advocacy tools, such as one-pagers, whitepapers and other advocacy materials.
Monitor state and federal legislative activities, such as committee hearings, briefings, and other events, for issues of impact to the New Jersey biopharmaceutical ecosystem.
Gather background materials and draft articles, blogs, op-eds, and other communications in support of communications and public policy and advocacy efforts.

Desired Skills

Interested in learning more about the biopharmaceutical sector’s work in promoting pro-Patient and pro-innovation public policy and communications with a direct focus on health equity in clinical trials.
Strong written and verbal communications skills with both internal and external audiences.
Ability to lead research projects and aggregate, analyze and present datasets.
Ability to take part in this experience independently and project manage remotely.

SIF Mentor

Ian McLaughlin

Vice President of Government Affairs, BioNJ

Social Impact Fellowship Mentor

Ian McLaughlin, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Government Affairs at BioNJ, which is the trade organization that represents approximately 400 companies and organizations in the life sciences throughout New Jersey—from large biopharmaceutical companies to biotech start-ups. A life scientist by training, Ian completed his Ph.D. in neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania where his research focused on characterizing a neuronal circuit that regulates addiction and mood-related psychiatric conditions. Prior to joining the team at BioNJ, Ian worked as a Policy Analyst in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, focusing on Health policy.

Your Host

BioNJ is New Jersey’s life sciences trade association, representing nearly 400 biopharmaceutical companies, academic partners, hospitals and health systems, and the Patients they serve. BioNJ works to ensure New Jersey remains a global leader in biopharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing that delivers new and innovative treatments to Patients around the world. We believe Patients should have access to the treatments they need when they need them most. Because Patients Can’t Wait.