Opportunities

Who We Are

The Parity Center, located within the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, is a pioneering research and policy hub dedicated to catalyzing reform in healthcare payment to foster equitable healthcare delivery and outcomes. Led by Dr. Amol Navathe, a physician-scientist and health policy expert, The Parity Center brings together an interdisciplinary team of experts committed to advancing health equity through innovative payment and policy solutions.

Parity Team

Opportunities With Us

Positions within The Parity Center offer opportunities to individuals at all stages of their academic and professional careers. Regardless of your current level of education or experience, you will have the opportunity to engage in innovative research, policy development, and advocacy aimed at addressing systemic drivers of health inequity. Employment with The Parity Center, which has a focus on payment reform, is designed to enable employees to make meaningful contributions to the Center's mission while gaining invaluable skills and experience. We periodically offer full-time positions, part-time positions, and a post-doctoral position.

Group of people sitting at a conference table

How to Apply

This opportunity is open for applications from November through January, yearly

Open to Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional Students

Description: 

This temporary, part-time (34 hours/week max/variable) position provides undergraduate or graduate students with a unique opportunity to gain experience in healthcare policy and research under the guidance of experienced mentor(s). Participants will engage in projects aimed at advancing payment reform and health equity.

Duration: This is a one-year position, with the possibility of extending one or two years, contingent on availability of relevant project work and funding. This opportunity is rolling, and candidates will be contacted throughout the year as work becomes available.

Objectives:

  • Gain practical experience in healthcare policy and research.
  • Contribute to projects focused on payment reform and health equity.
  • Develop valuable skills in data analysis, policy analysis, and communication.

Benefits:

  •   Exposure to cutting-edge research and policy development.
  • Mentorship from experts in the field.
  • Networking opportunities within the healthcare industry.

Click here to apply  Please submit a resume/CV and cover letter with your application by January 31st 2025.

This opportunity is open for applications from November through January, yearly

Open to those with at least a Bachelor’s degree who are seeking a “gap year” or pre-doctoral opportunity with the intent to apply to medical program or graduate programs in a heath policy related field).

Duration: This is position is contingent on availability of relevant project work and funding. This position aligns with the academic year, generally starting in August or September and concluding in June or July. This opportunity is rolling, and candidates may be contacted throughout the year as work becomes available. It is preferable that applicants consider this a 2 year commitment.

Description: 

This advanced track provides individuals with an immersive experience in healthcare policy and research. The research coordinator will have the opportunity to delve deeper into research projects, collaborate on publications, and actively contribute to The Parity Center's mission over an extended period. Participants will work closely with faculty and fellow researchers to advance healthcare payment reform and promote health equity.

Objectives:

  • Conduct independent research on healthcare payment reform and health equity.
  • Collaborate with faculty and fellow researchers on interdisciplinary projects.
  • Contribute to policy briefs, white papers, and academic publications.

Benefits:

  • Immersive learning experience with hands-on research opportunities.
  • Mentorship from leading experts in healthcare policy and research.
  • Potential for co-authorship on publications and presentations.

Click here to apply  Please submit a resume/CV and cover letter with your application by January 31st 2025.

Unfortunately we have no current openings for this position

Duration: 1-2 Years. Second year is contingent upon funding.

Description: 

Postdoctoral researchers will play a leadership role in driving research projects, mentoring trainees, and making substantial contributions to The Parity Center's research agenda. With a focus on advancing health equity through payment reform, participants will have the opportunity to lead projects and engage in academic and policy-focused publications.

Objectives:

  • Lead research projects on healthcare payment reform and health equity.
  • Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate trainees.
  • Engage in academic and policy-focused publications and presentations.

Benefits:

  • Leadership opportunities and autonomy in project management.
  • Collaboration and mentorship from leading experts in healthcare policy and research.
  • Professional development and networking opportunities.

Still Deciding?

Below is a list of helpful resources and affiliated opportunities to guide you in your decision-making journey.

  • Relevant Publications from the Field: A curated repository of publications that offer critical insights into health incentives and behavioral economics.
  • Leaonard Davis Institute of Health Economics: Penn’s hub for health care delivery, health policy, and population health.
  • Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics: Penn’s leading department that leverages principles from economics and psychology to understand how individuals make decisions.
  • Penn Healthcare Transformation Institute: Combines academic rigor with real-world environments to drive innovation in health care delivery.
  • MedPAC (The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission): The only nonpartisan, independent legislative branch agency that provides the U.S. Congress with analysis and policy advice on the Medicare program.
  • SUMR (Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research Program): Tailored specifically for undergraduate students, with a demonstrated commitment in advancing the needs of underrepresented groups in health services, population health, and clinical epidemiology, to research in this field.
  • MSHP Summer Fellowship  (Master of Science in Health Policy Research Summer Fellowship): Fellowship opportunity only available to Medical Students at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.

FAQs

Status will depend on the project and work cadence. Most positions are hybrid-eligible.

Please see full job description(s) for details.

Yes, rates are determined by position and candidates resume, experience. Benefits are available for full-time positions and the postdoctoral fellowship only.

David Pagnotti, Project Manager, davidrp@pennmedicine.upenn.edu