APhA Visiting Research Scientist Program
A new, unique opportunity to shape the future of pharmacy
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is excited to announce the launch of the APhA Visiting Research Scientist Program, a distinctive, semester-based opportunity designed for established researchers to collaborate at the national level and help advance and influence the future of pharmacy policy, practice, and advocacy.
This immersive, onsite experience connects established researchers with national pharmacy leaders to translate research into real-world impact. This is a unique opportunity to translate scholarship into action and help drive meaningful change across the profession.
Learn more
Location
Onsite at American Pharmacists Association (APhA) headquarters
2215 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Purpose of the program
The Visiting Research Scientist Program is designed to:
- Strengthen evidence-informed advocacy and program development through targeted, time-bound research contributions
- Expand working relationships with national pharmacy leaders and funding agencies
- Leverage national research networks and residency/fellowship programs to implement and evaluate pharmacist-provided care
- Explore priority topics in pharmacy policy, workforce trends, innovation in care delivery, medication safety, and health equity
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 3 years of APhA membership prior to June 15, 2026
- Maintain active APhA membership throughout the program
- Demonstrate a strong record of research (publications and grant submissions) related to pharmacy policy, practice transformation, or health care delivery
- Have at least 5 years of research experience in pharmacy health services research, medication use policy, or practice-based research
- Be formally released from their university employer to work onsite at APhA headquarters during the visit period
Duration
- One academic semester (12–15 weeks)
- 2027 start dates: Mid-January or mid-August, with the exact start date determined collaboratively between the candidate and APhA.
Position expectations
During the visit, the visiting research scientist will:
- Deliver two knowledge-sharing presentations to APhA staff
- Conduct a systematic review in collaboration with APhA staff, resulting in a white paper or publication
- Collaborate with assigned teams and participate in key internal and external meetings
- Adhere to all APhA policies, including confidentiality and data protection
Expected deliverables
Required outcomes include:
- Final stakeholder presentation prior to completion of visit
- Written summary within 2 months of conclusion
- Tracking of 6- and 12-month scholarly outcomes
- Contribution to at least one research paper, data analysis, policy memo, grant, or public-facing publication
Example focus areas
- The expanding role of pharmacists in primary care and team-based models
- Provider status and policy advancement
- Workforce transformation and regulatory reform
- Pharmacy benefit design and patient outcomes
- Health IT integration and innovation
- Protecting and advancing evidence-based pharmacy practice
Financial and logistic support
- No stipend; sponsoring home institution continues salary support
- Housing stipend up to $2,000/month
- Dedicated workspace and research resources
- Temporary, non-employee position (no health benefits)
Impact and benefits
- National-level exposure to pharmacy policy and advocacy
- Opportunities to publish impactful work
- Collaboration with APhA leadership and national stakeholders
- Professional development and mentorship
- Strengthen institutional partnerships and national visibility
- Translation of academic research into applied, measurable impact
Application process, required materials
- CV
- 1.5-page cover letter
- 2-page research proposal
- Letter of institutional and salary support from dean or department chair
Key dates
- June 15, 2026 – Application opens
- August 31, 2026 – Application closes
- September 2026 – Application review period
- October/November 2026 – Interview period
- Late November/early December 2026 – Notifications
Join APhA in shaping the future of pharmacy practice through research, collaboration, and national impact.
For more information, contact APhA staff member Margaret Tomecki (mtomecki@aphanet.org)