Overview and Background:

FHI 360 (www.fhi360.org) has an exciting internship opportunity for a student interested in growing their skills within the field of public health research. Under close supervision, an intern will perform entry level professional duties which will provide the opportunity for professional training in various functional areas within the organization. Internship assignments serve to offer practical experience and broad exposure to a global nonprofit research and development organization.

FHI 360 conducts and supports clinical research in settings around the world. We bring technical, regulatory and cultural expertise to regions where the need and opportunity for clinical research are greatest. We work with governments, ministries of health and local partners to build capacity, strengthen research services, test products and improve lives.

In collaboration with global networks and partner organizations, FHI 360 designs, implements, manages and monitors complex studies, including multisite and multicountry clinical trials. This internship is with three of the research networks: 1) the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN), 2) the International Maternal, Pediatric, Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network, and 3) Microbicide Trials Network (MTN).

HPTN (www.hptn.org) was formed to develop and tests the safety and efficacy of interventions designed to prevent the transmission of HIV. IMPAACT (www.impaactnetwork.org) evaluates prevention and treatment interventions for HIV and HIV-associated complications and co-infections in infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant/postpartum women through the conduct of high-quality clinical trials. MTN (www.mtnstopshiv.org) brings together international investigators, community and industry partners whose work is focused on the rigorous evaluation of promising microbicides – products applied inside the vagina or rectum to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV – and of dual-purpose products for preventing both HIV and unintended pregnancy. Within these three networks, a remote intern will work with four study teams.

It is anticipated that the intern will split their time evenly between these four projects:

HPTN 096 (www.hptn096.org) is a research study designed to find out what it takes to stop the spread of HIV among Black gay and bisexual men in the southern United States (US). The study’s intervention is made up of four components that focus on improving health equity, reducing stigma in clinics that provide HIV prevention and care services, offering peer support services and harnessing the power of social media to educate, engage and empower the study population. The social media component is a robust social media strategy being conducted in the five study communities: Dallas, Montgomery, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Memphis and Atlanta. Utilizing a multitude of social media communication and marketing tactics, social media content will be used to reach Black gay and bisexual men so that they can make informed decisions and behavioral changes to stop HIV acquisition and transmission, with emphasis on accessing HIV prevention and care services, the uptake of pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the importance of staying engaged in care and achieving viral suppression. In addition, the social media strategy will promote the other three intervention components.

HPTN 113 is a research study designed to find out if the combination of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) post-exposure prophylaxis could be used to stop the spread of HIV in young Latino gay and bisexual men in North and South America. This study will provide mHealth tools to aid in decision-making and adherence to HIV PrEP. “mHealth” or “mobile health” is a general term for the use of mobile phones in medical care.

IMPAACT 2037 is a Phase I, open-label, multi-site, non-comparative study of the potent anti-HIV neutralizing monoclonal antibodies PGT121.414.LS and VRC07-523LS. The study is designed to determine the safety and pharmacokinetic parameters of PGT121.414.LS alone and in combination with VRC07-523LS when administered subcutaneously soon after birth in infants at high risk for peripartum or breastfeeding HIV transmission.

MTN-042 is a Phase 3b, open-label, multi-site, randomized trial designed to assess the safety, adherence, and acceptability profiles of the dapivirine vaginal ring and FTC/TDF oral tablet when used during pregnancy.

Anticipated Duration: February 26 – April 19, 2024 (8 weeks)

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week

Pay Rate: $18.00/hour

Location: Preference given to candidates located near Durham, NC office

Anticipated Project(s) and Assignment Details:

The intern may contribute to the activities of four projects under supervision as described below. The scope of the projects may expand or contract depending on the intern’s interests and expertise and the needs of the team at the time the intern starts on the project.

HPTN 096:

• Participate in the meetings of both the HPTN 096 social media core and advisory groups, which are developing and advising on the study’s social media strategy.
• Assist in curating, reviewing, creating and/or posting social media content.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing social media and/or website metrics.
• Assist in determining if the social media content is reaching Black gay and bisexual men.

HPTN 113:

• Lead the team in an iterative process to develop a study logo and study name. This will involve working closely with study site staff, the protocol team and the communication staff to develop and finalize the study name and logo.
• Assist in organizing and reviewing site-specific informed consent forms (ICFs) for local institutional review board (IRB) submission. This will involve reviewing site-specific ICFs against a template and ensuring the inclusion of all key elements.
• Attend the study’s Community Working Group meetings.

IMPAACT 2037:

• Read the IMPAACT 2037 protocol schema, design, and informed consent forms.
• Draft an informed consent PowerPoint, also referred to as a flipbook, based on the IRB-approved informed consent form.
• Participate in study team meetings.

MTN-042:

• Read the MTN-042 protocol schema, design, and informed consent forms.
• Examine MTN-042 PowerPoint presentations previously developed for use in training, team meetings, and at conferences.
• Review style and format of result dissemination presentations from other MTN studies.
• Draft MTN-042 results dissemination PowerPoint and present it to the MTN-042 Community Working Group for feedback.
• Collect feedback from communications staff prior to submitting the MTN-042 clinical research staff.

Skills Gained and Learning Opportunities:

In all projects, the intern will have the opportunity to work with experienced research, communication and community staff.

HPTN 096:

• Learn how to translate complex scientific ideas into social media content for the general public.
• Learn how to optimize social media content and distribution to maximize reach and engagement.

HPTN 113:

• Learn and practice cross-cultural communication skills.
• Experience discussing topics that are sensitive and require cultural competence, such as HIV prevention in a high incidence population.
• Collaborate with various study team members including the site teams, protocol leadership, community and communications teams, and research managers.

IMPAACT 2037:

• Learn how to communicate complex materials about HIV research in lay language.

MTN-042:

• Review MTN-042 documents and data.
• Developing presentations for diverse audiences.
• Practice presentation skills.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Currently enrolled in a degree program at a college or university in a related field of study or within one year of graduation date: Public Health Education or a Public Health related field.
• Demonstrated interest in related subject area through studies, work experience, and/or personal travel.
• Preferred experience: HIV/AIDS, clinical research/trials, public health, etc.
• Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas.
• Strong writing and research skills.
• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Remote office environment

Technology to be Used:

• Computer
• Microsoft Office (i.e., Outlook (email), Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Travel Requirements:

• 0%

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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