Number of openings: 2
Duration of placement: January 12, 2026–May 31, 2026
Full-time vs. part-time employment: Part-time
Hours of operation: 20 hours per week
Pay: Unpaid. Students must be receiving some type of academic credit for this experience to participate in the internship.
Application instructions: Please email Resume (cover letter optional) to fareesa.hasan@mass.gov by December 31, 2025 to be considered for the role.
Required experience, field of study, and credentials: Graduate Student; Primary Care; Public Health; Qualitative Interviews; Health Sciences; Human Services; Public Administration; Communication; Epidemiology; Data Analysis
Location: Hybrid: Remote & MA DPH, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108
Description: The Office of Healthcare Strategy & Planning in the Department of Public Health is seeking two highly motivated interns to assist with conducting and analyzing key informant interviews as part of a statewide, mixed-methods Primary Care Needs Assessment. The intern will play a key role in conducting interviews with experts in primary care, analyzing the results, and assisting with the development of study findings & recommendations for public health. Findings from the interviews will also inform additional quantitative analyses and interpretation. This position offers hands-on experience in qualitative research and partner engagement. Applicants with prior experience in qualitative methods or community health needs assessments are especially encouraged to apply.
Position Overview:
- Assist in data collection by conducting semi-structured interviews with collaborators in primary care focused on their perspectives of primary care quality, access, and capacity in Massachusetts
- Transcribe, code, and organize interview data
- Collaborate with DPH team in thematic analysis of the interview data to identify key findings and actionable recommendations for public health
- Support the development of the Primary Care Needs Assessment report and related communications for internal and external partners
Skills / Qualifications:
- Intern must have a working computer for this role.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Proactive and professional approach to work.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated interest in health equity, public health, healthcare administration, policy development and/or related fields.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite/Teams platforms.
- Experience with or willingness to learn qualitative methods
- Experience with or willingness to learn Dedoose
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health practice.
About the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
More information can be found at: Department of Public Health | Mass.gov
A criminal background check will be completed prior to the internship. For more information, please visit Guidance and Information for Organizations Subject to the CORI Regulations.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please e-mail DPHInternship@mass.gov and we will be in touch to facilitate.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this internship.