Public Policy & Public Service Fellowships
Science and Public Policy Fellowships:
Listed here are several popular Science & Public Policy Fellowship opportunities for those interested in pursuing experiences in state, local, and federal government offices. These science policy programs provide opportunities for scientists and engineers to contribute to federal policymaking while learning firsthand about the intersection of science and policy. The public policy fellowships are more broad, open to various degrees and backgrounds for those wanting to participate in a range of policymaking, public service development, and advocacy.
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships
Fellows select assignments in Congressional offices or federal agencies. This is a year-long opportunity, beginning September 1 and ending August 31. AAAS seeks candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and a diversity of geographic, disciplinary, gender, and ethnic perspectives, as well as disability status. Fellows have ranged in age from late 20s to early 70s. They represent a spectrum of career stages, from recent PhD graduates to faculty on sabbatical to retired scientists and engineers. Stipend of $75K – $100K.
The American Chemical Society Science Policy Fellowship places one fellow on ACS's External Affairs and Communications (EAC) team for one to two years. The fellow works with experienced EAC staff to provide information to policymakers on the role of science in public policy, advance specific recommendations on issues affecting the chemical enterprise, and inform and involve ACS members in the policy process. EAC staff cover a range of issues of interest to ACS members, including federal funding for scientific research; science, technology, engineering and math education; green chemistry; environmental policy; and regulatory policy.
AGU Congressional Science Fellowship
The Congressional Science Fellowship program places highly qualified, accomplished scientists, engineers, and other professionals in the offices of either an individual Member of Congress or on a committee for a one-year assignment. The Fellowship program enables more effective use in government of scientific knowledge and provides a unique experience to scientists seeking careers involving public use of technical information.
AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award
The program offers current graduate students pursuing a degree in the biological sciences the chance to spend three to six months in AIBS's Public Policy Office, located in downtown Washington, DC. During this period, the Fellow gains first-hand science policy experience while working on a science policy project that advances the goals of the sponsoring member society.
Alaska Sea Grant, located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is offering graduate students, or those who recently completed their degree, the opportunity to acquire on-the-job-training in Alaska-based federal and state agencies for one year as part of ASG's State Fellowship Program. This is a paid fellowship ($3,500 per month for a total of $42,000) for highly motivated and qualified applicants who are focused on science or policy that affects Alaska's marine and freshwater resources. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Alaska residents and students completing their degrees at Alaska institutions will be given preference.
ASHG Genetics & Education Fellowship
This is a fellowship program designed for genetics professionals with an advanced degree who are early in their careers and interested in the development and implementation of national genomics literacy efforts, informal science education, science education policy, program development, or science education research. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in genetics education program development at the NHGRI and ASHG and to work directly with other organizations involved in genetics education (optional). Annual 72k stipend plus benefits. Duration: 16 months.
ASHG Genetics & Public Policy Fellowship
This is a fellowship program designed for genetics professionals with an advanced degree who are early in their careers and interested in the development and implementation of genetics-related health and research policies at a national level. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in policy analysis at NHGRI and ASHG, and to work directly within the U.S. Congress. Annual 72k stipend plus benefits. Duration: 16 months.
ASME Federal Government Fellowship Program
The Federal Government Fellowship Program enables selected ASME members to devote a year to working in government, providing engineering and technical advice to policy makers in the U.S. Congress, White House, and federal agencies.
California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Policy Fellowship
The California Science and Technology (CCST) Policy Fellowships place professional scientists and engineers in the California State Legislature for one-year appointments. The fellowships are ideal for qualified applicants who are interested in improving the interface between science and legislative decision-making and who want to learn the public policy decision-making process. To be eligible for the Fellowship, candidates must possess a PhD or equivalent level degree OR an MS degree in an engineering discipline, plus at least three years post-degree experience. The base stipend is $45,000 plus benefits.
Canadian Science Policy Fellowship Program
An initiative of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Science Policy Fellowships Program, is designed to foster positive exchanges between health researchers and policy makers in order to help bridge the gap between the worlds of science and policy making. The Program provides academic researchers with the opportunity to undertake short-term assignments at Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to work on a specific policy issue (e.g., health policy, science policy, or regulatory policy).
Capital Fellows Program
The Capital Fellows Program is unique to the state of California. Fellows work as staff members in the California State Assembly, Senate, Executive or Judicial branch for 10-11 months. They are paid a monthly stipend (about $2000) and receive full health benefits. This is a great opportunity to participate in public service, policymaking and development. There are several programs offered:
California Senate Fellows
Executive Fellowship Program
Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program
Judicial Administration Fellowship Program
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in any field and have a demonstrated interest in policy making and public service. Graduate, post-graduate and mid-career applications are accepted. Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of appropriate immigration status. The Capital Fellows Programs do not meet the requirements for F-1 or J-1 visas.
Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship
This 12-week professional development fellowship engages fellows in the analytical process that informs US science and technology policy. Fellows develop the basic skills necessary to participate in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels. Graduate and professional school students and those who have completed a graduate degree within the last 5 years may apply. Areas of study may include any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, law, business, public administration, or any relevant interdisciplinary field. Fellows receive a stipend of $8,500.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Public Policy Fellowship
Begin your path toward becoming one of our nation's future Latino policymakers. Recent college graduates can take advantage of this paid fellowship, which opens doors for talented young Latinos who are pursuing a career in public policy. You will spend nine months working in Washington, D.C., with significant exposure to leaders in congressional offices, federal agencies, national nonprofit advocacy organizations, government-related institutes, and more—growing both personally and professionally during your fellowship experience.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Graduate Fellowship Program
CHCI's Graduate Fellowship Program is designed for exceptional emerging Latino leaders who want to immerse themselves in a specific public policy area. This paid, nine-month fellowship will provide you with valuable work experience, access to powerful Latino network, and a chance to showcase your public policy knowledge on Capitol Hill.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Serves as a next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. The EERE STP Fellowships provide an opportunity for highly talented scientists and engineers to participate in policy-related projects at DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Washington, D.C. EERE STP Fellows apply the expertise gained from their education and history of conducting research to new and ongoing EERE initiatives.
Google Policy Fellowship Program
The Google Policy Fellowship program offers undergraduate, graduate, and law students interested in Internet and technology policy the opportunity to spend the summer contributing to the public dialogue on these issues, and exploring future academic and professional interests. Google fellows will have the opportunity to work at public interest organizations at the forefront of debates on broadband and access policy, content regulation, copyright and trademark reform, consumer privacy, open government, and more.
Gulf Research Program Science Policy Fellowships
The science policy fellowship program helps early-career scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand policymaking experience as they spend a year on the staff of federal or state environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, or public health agencies in the Gulf of Mexico region. Fellows who have completed an MA, MS, or MPH degree or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program will receive an annual stipend of $45,000. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, MD, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $55,000. Stipends will be paid directly to the fellow in monthly disbursements.
Harvard Belfer Center Fellowship
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University offers research fellowships during the academic year to individuals who wish to devote their time to research and writing in the fields of science and international affairs. Fellows are selected by the Center's major research programs and are expected to work collaboratively with other Center researchers, as well as on their own projects. The Belfer Center Fellowship Program is known for its selectivity and the high quality of its participants.
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, established in 1987, is a highly-competitive national fellowship program that provides college graduates with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security. Fellows spend 6-9 months working directly with organizations in Washington DC such as: Global Green USA, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Federation of American Scientists, Union of Concerned Scientists. Fellows are provided with a $3200 monthly stipend plus health insurance. Some of the issues covered by the Scoville Fellowship are: Environmental and Energy Security, including the Nexus of Climate Change and Energy Use, Conflict, and Resource Scarcity, Dismantling Chemical and Nuclear Weapons in the former Soviet Union, and Environmental Impact/Cleanup of Nuclear Weapons Production Complex.
Students must have an undergraduate degree before beginning their fellowships and a demonstrated interest in peace and security issues. Students should be good writers and comfortable with a fast-paced environment.
Each year, IEEE-USA sponsors several government fellowships for qualified U.S. IEEE members. The Fellows — chosen by the IEEE-USA Government Fellows Committee and confirmed by their Board — spend a year living and working in Washington as advisers to the U.S. Congress and to the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Agency for International Development. Known as Congressional Fellowships, Engineering & Diplomacy Fellowships, or Engineering & International Development Fellowships, the fellowship program links science, technology and engineering professionals with the U.S. government, and provides a mechanism for IEEE's U.S. members to learn firsthand about the public policy process while imparting their knowledge and experience to policymakers.
IEEE-USA maintains its Fellows program as part of its mission to serve the public good, and as an educational program for our members. Fellows do not provide any services to IEEE-USA, other than periodic reports designed to educate other engineers about the fellowship experience.
IEEE-USA sponsors Fellowships for qualified IEEE members to spend a year in Washington serving as advisers to the U.S. Congress and to key Executive Branch decision-makers.
Jacobs Science Writer Fellowship
The Science Writer Fellowship will bring five science, society or health policy journalists from the US and UK to Zurich, Switzerland, to enhance their understanding of the work and research of the Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize recipient, a leading international scholar in the field of child and youth development, and to connect these journalists with Swiss premier research institutions. The annual Fellowship, launched in 2015, covers Fellows' travel and ground costs and includes a five-day program in Zurich.
John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
The NOAA Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with "hosts" in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid fellowship. Provides up to $56,500 to each Fellow.
John Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship
The John Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship was created in 2006 to provide an opportunity for early career astronomers to gain experience in the world of science policy and serves to augment the policy advocacy programs of the society. The Bahcall Fellowship is currently a one-year postdoctoral level appointment, renewable for a second year. The Fellow works in partnership with the Director of Public Policy to coordinate the public policy activities of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)
The PMF Program provides an excellent opportunity for men and women from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths who have an interest in, and commitment to, public service and to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and government programs. The PMF Program, administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), is a two-year paid fellowship which includes 160 hours of formal classroom training and a mandatory four to six month developmental assignment plus optional rotations of one to six months. PMF fellows work at over 80 federal agencies and engage with current and future government leaders in solving domestic and international issues in a wide range of areas, including science and technology. Graduate students from all academic disciplines who expect to complete an advanced degree (master's, law, or doctoral-level degree) from a qualifying college or university during the current academic year are eligible to be nominated for the PMF by their schools.
Professional Science & Engineering Society Fellows Program
This U. S. Department of State program enlists bright, inquisitive scientists and engineers with an interest in policy and international affairs to further the diplomacy and development policies of the United States. Fellows contribute their science and technology expertise to the policymaking process by working directly in an office at the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development.
San Francisco Fellows Program
The primary initiative of the City Hall Fellows is a 12-month-long, post-college, pre-graduate school Fellowship program that integrates hands-on, full-time work as city employees. These positions provide intensive, comprehensive, real-politic-focused training in how cities work and the people, issues and organizations that influence local policy. Fellows spend their service year working on high-need, high- impact municipal initiatives.
Fellows work on projects during the program that have a direct impact on City operations. They span a broad range of City functions, involving analytical, planning, and operational work in the Arts Commission, Public Utilities Commission, Recreation and Park, Airport, Municipal Transportation Agency, Controller, Public Works, and other City agencies. In addition to hands-on work experience and comprehensive professional development, Fellows will be paired with experienced mentors in City government. Over 90 Fellows have participated in the San Francisco Fellows Program predecessor, City Hall Fellows, which partnered with the City from 2008 through 2015.
There is no citizenship requirement for this program, however the program does not sponsor visas. Students must have earned a bachelor's degree by the start of the program, and graduate students are eligible to apply as long as they have earned their bachelor's degree within the last three years. Applicants from all majors and academic disciplines will be considered and are encouraged to apply. Fellows are expected to possess the following characteristics: (i) academic achievement, (ii) written and oral communication skills, (iii) leadership potential and ability, (iv) dedication to public service; and (v) an entrepreneurial spirit appropriate for participating in our growing program. While there is no GPA cut-off, the Fellowship is highly competitive. Additionally, preference is given to applicants who can demonstrate a strong connection to the city for which they are applying.
Society for Neuroscience Early Career Policy Fellows Program -- Interested neuroscience students, postdoctoral trainees, and early-career faculty (within 10 years of MD or PhD) can get involved with science policy and advocacy through the SfN Early Career Policy Fellows Program. Fellows will learn how to become effective advocates for science and how to encourage others to do the same. The yearlong program includes travel and lodging to attend Hill Day 2015.
STPI's Policy Fellowship Program
This two-year fellowship provides recent bachelor's degree recipients with a unique opportunity to use their critical thinking and analytic skills to work on a diverse set of challenges in science and technology (S&T) policy areas. Fellows will be involved in collaborative research for leaders in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President and other Federal Government organizations. Fellows work with teams of researchers to support a wide variety of S&T policy-related tasks. Individuals who earned a recent bachelor's degree are eligible to apply for the Fellowship. The fellowship is a paid, benefits-eligible position.
TechCongress Congressional Innovation Fellowship
The Congressional Innovation Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to change Congress by injecting desperately needed technological expertise into the Legislative Branch. The fellowship is a twelve-month residency on Capitol Hill, running from January to December, with an optional 13th month the following January. Fellows work directly for a Member of Congress or Congressional Committee for the duration of their residency and may spend their time on technology-related issues like emerging technologies, AI and automation, election security, data privacy, encryption, cybersecurity or defense technology policy.
Tisdale Public Policy Fellowship
The Tisdale Fellowship provides opportunities for students to learn about high tech public policy issues in Washington, DC. The Fellowship places fellows in a high-tech company, firm or trade association, take two classes worth of credits from George Mason University and live in furnished apartments on George Washington University's downtown campus. Fellows will also attend weekly issues seminar lunches as well as briefings at the Capitol, State Department, World Bank and Federal Reserve.
U.S. Secretary of State Jefferson Science Fellowship
Scientists and engineers from the American academic community into the U.S. Department of State for one year. The JSF program is administered by the National Academies and supported through a partnership between the U.S. academic community, professional scientific societies, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Fellows are given assignments either in the Department headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at U.S. Missions abroad. Jefferson Science Fellows return to their academic careers following their Department of State assignments but remain available to the U.S. government as expert consultants for short-term projects over the following 5 years. Successful candidates are selected on the basis of their scientific achievements, articulation and communication skills, and their interest in science policy issues.
Wilburforce Fellowship in Conservation Science
This year-long program empowers scientists with training in leadership and communication to build a community of conservation science leaders who excel in using science to help achieve durable conservation solutions in western North America. The program is delivered in partnership with COMPASS.
William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship
This fellowship represents a unique opportunity for those with a Ph.D. in geosciences to gain first-hand experience with the legislative process on Capitol Hill. The successful candidate will spend 12 months in Washington, D.C., working as a staff member in the office of a member of Congress or congressional committee. Fellows make practical contributions to the effective and timely use of geoscientific knowledge on issues relating to the environment, resources, natural hazards, and federal science policy. This one-year fellowship carries an annual salary of $78,000, relocation and travel funds, plus a full benefits package.