AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships 2019 | for Scientists and Engineers from the US

Fellows serve yearlong assignments in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government in Washington. Each year, the program adds to a growing corps over 3,000 strong of policy-savvy leaders working across academia, government, nonprofits and industry to serve the nation and the world.

Deadline: November 1, 2019

About the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the largest general scientific society in the world. The fellowship program offers hands-on opportunities to apply your scientific knowledge and technical skills to important societal challenges. As a fellow, you will serve a yearlong assignment in a selected area of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the federal government in Washington, D.C., enhancing your professional influence by tackling problems and participating in policy development and implementation.

Fellowship Areas

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships offers fellowships in all three branches of the federal government. The Roger Revelle Fellowship in Global Stewardship focuses on environmental initiatives and is offered periodically (not annually).

1. Executive Branch Fellowship. Fellowship opportunities in the executive branch are the most numerous of the four fellowships. Executive branch fellows contribute to policy, administration and implementation in a vast array of federal agencies. [Over 150 placements]
2. Judicial Branch Fellowship. Engage with contemporary policy issues facing the judiciary while contributing your scientific and technical expertise to judicial administration, operations, education programs, protocol and discovery, or courtroom technology. [One placement available]
3. Legislative Branch Fellowship. The Congressional Science & Engineering Fellowships are sponsored by more than 30 scientific and engineering societies. Fellows on Capitol Hill help research, develop and draft legislation and provide input on policy review and oversight.

Roger Revelle Fellowship in Global Stewardship. The Revelle fellowship is a unique opportunity to address global stewardship issues by applying a science or engineering background toward solutions to societal problems including ecosystems, population and climate change.

Benefits of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

• Gain hands-on policy experience in a challenging assignment. This fellowship is a transformative career opportunity. Fellows are a respected and coveted cadre in the federal policy arena.
• Become a member of an influential network of fellows. The AAAS S&T Policy Fellow network is a powerful force in every realm: government, industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector.
• Receive a stipend. $80-105,000 per year, along with other support including reimbursement for health care insurance.
• Develop new skills. Every fellowship includes a yearlong Professional Development program. Commencing with a two-week orientation, a series of trainings and workshops in the areas of policy and the federal government, leadership, communication, and networking and career strategies are intended to foster fellows’ development as science policy leaders. The professional development curriculum is designed around specific learning goals and objectives designed to maximize success in the fellowship and beyond.
• Experience life in the nation’s capital. Washington calls! Some fellows also have the opportunity to travel nationally and overseas for their host office.
• Lead. Fellows run a variety of Affinity Groups that focus on a wide range of policy issues. Activities range from planning and promoting presentations by distinguished guest speakers, to workshops, symposia and multi-day conferences.
• Get published. Sci on the Fly is a fellow-run, high-traffic blog and podcast that highlights fellows’ work and perspectives. Many fellows also have opportunities with their host office to publish reports and other media.
• Expand your career options. Learn about career opportunities in academia, nonprofit, government, and the private sector throughout your fellowship, at the STPF career summit, and via the STPF career email list.
• Get involved with AAAS.The American Association for the Advancement of Science offers a wealth of resources from career services and events, to volunteer opportunities and late-breaking science news and analysis. Many of these resources are particularly useful to DC locals who can participate in person.

Stipend

As a public service and professional development opportunity, a Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) is not an offer of employment. Stipend and support ensure an optimal learning experience.

Stipends range approximately $80,000 to $105,000 per year, depending on a combination of factors including type of fellowship, fellowship sponsor (AAAS, partner society, or agency), and/or number of years of post-doctoral professional experience.

Who is Eligible for the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships?

• 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 represent the spectrum of career stages – from recent doctoral graduates to faculty on sabbatical and retired scientists, and sectors – from academia and industry to nonprofit organizations.

To apply, you must:

• Hold a doctoral level science degree or a master’s in engineering
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have solid scientific and technical credentials and three references
• Be committed to serving the society
• Exhibit integrity, problem-solving ability, flexible and leadership qualities
• Have good verbal and written communication skills

How to Apply

Start your online application, work on it, save it, and come back to it any number of times before final submission. You may apply for up to two fellowship areas by submitting a separate application for each area: it’s easy and both applications can be in process at the same time.

Click here to apply.

For more information, visit AAAS Fellowships.