A professional development opportunity in science policy from the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA).
AIBS and SURA are jointly offering a paid Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accepting, and Accessible (IDEA2) Public Policy Fellowship in the spring-summer of 2025 for current and recent graduate students in the life sciences or a closely related field. This unique training opportunity provides young scientists with valuable first-hand experience in science policy. The Fellow will have the opportunity to work on a range of science policy projects that could include planning a Capitol Hill science policy briefing, preparing science policy documents, conducting research on science and science education policy initiatives, and attending Congressional and executive branch meetings.
Eligibility
Applicant must be a current graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) student or within two years of completing a graduate degree in the life sciences or a closely related field, who has a strong interest in science policy. A successful applicant will have good writing skills, the ability to synthesize information, and be a self-starter who works well with minimal supervision. Additional consideration will be given to applicants from universities that are SURA members.
Individuals of all racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority serving institutions and historically excluded communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The Fellow will work closely with AIBS and SURA policy staff to gain first-hand experience with science policy and advocacy efforts that inform federal decision-making. The Fellow will be responsible for conducting research for science policy initiatives, monitoring the activities of federal science agencies, and tracking legislative developments.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to work on a range of science policy projects that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conducting research on science and science education policy issues;
- Writing for a science policy newsletter that provides legislative and executive branch updates to the research community;
- Assisting with tracking and analysis of relevant issues and legislation;
- Assisting with preparation of science policy documents and reports;
- Writing an article (Editorial, Viewpoint, Washington Watch Column, etc.) for the journal BioScience;
- Assisting with the planning of congressional briefings, advocacy events such as AIBS and SURA congressional visits days, and other meetings;
- And attending science coalition meetings, congressional and agency briefings, hearings, press briefings, and other relevant events.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to engage with state and federal lawmakers and federal agency officials, including government relations teams for the Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to participate in committee proceedings and other meetings at AIBS and SURA.
Format and Duration
The Fellow will have the option to choose between a remote or in-person format.
Remote: The Fellow will work remotely for 15 hours per week, over a duration of ten weeks, between April 1 and September 30, 2025. The start and end dates will depend on the availability of the candidate. The Fellow may also have the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to attend the AIBS Congressional Visits Day, the SURA Annual Meeting, or another similar meeting.
In-Person: The Fellow will travel to Washington, DC to work full-time for a period of one month between April 1 and July 31, 2025, depending on the availability of the candidate.
Stipend
The Fellow will receive a minimum stipend of $3,000, contingent on active participation, with additional support available for in-person participation. Travel expenses will also be covered by the Fellowship.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Fellowship, please send the following information via email to publicpolicy@aibs.org no later than 05:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, January 24, 2025:
- A cover letter that expresses your interest and availability, indicates your format preference, and describes how the Fellowship will contribute to your education and career.
- Resume (two pages maximum) that emphasizes your leadership, policy, and/or communication experience.
- Writing sample of up to 750 words that demonstrates your policy interests and analytical skills.
- A letter of reference from an individual who can attest to your leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, and who is familiar with your interest in science policy.
The subject line of the email must include “IDEA2PPF 2025” and the applicant’s name. All documents should be included as an attachment(s), with each file named as applicant_name_document (e.g., Sarah_Smith_Resume.pdf).
A single PDF document is preferred. If preferred, the letter of reference may be sent directly to publicpolicy@aibs.org by the letter provider.
Please note: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to develop application materials is prohibited.
The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) is a national consortium of over 50 universities dedicated to advance collaborative research and education and to strengthen the scientific capabilities of its members and the nation. SURA has overseen the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility since 1986 and has been actively promoting scientific advancement in topics ranging from space science and technology to information technology.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is a nonprofit scientific association dedicated to advancing the biological sciences for the benefit of science and society. In line with our goals for enhancing IDEA2 in biological sciences, AIBS is committed to expanding this opportunity to historically excluded communities and people of all racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and to persons with disabilities.