What does “recent” bachelor’s degree mean?
Individuals who earned a bachelor’s degree between May 2022 and July 2024 are eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Current master’s students and master’s degree recipients are also eligible as long as their bachelor’s degrees are earned between May 2021 and July 2023.
Does STPI hire Fellows who do not have policy experience?
Yes, previous policy experience is not required.
If I have a PhD, am I eligible to apply for the Fellowship?
No. Check the IDA career postings website for ads targeting candidates with PhDs.
What is the timeline for application evaluation?
Evaluation of applications will be evaluated in February with an in-person, full-day interview required for finalists at the end of February/beginning of March.
What does the in-person interview involve?
The in-person interview, which requires travel to Washington, D.C., includes interviews with the selection committee, a group project, and other activities designed to help candidates get to know STPI and the work that we do and to help us get to know the candidates.
In which science policy areas do Fellows work?
The work that STPI does depends on the needs of its sponsors. Although previous experience and expertise are often factors in deciding who works on what, Fellows work in a variety of science policy areas and are encouraged to work in areas outside of their major. STPI generally has tasks in the areas related to space, national security, health, program and portfolio analysis, critical infrastructure protection, emerging S&T areas, and STEM education, among others.
What kinds of work do Fellows do?
STPI tasks are team based, and Fellows are an essential part of the team. Every project and sponsor has unique needs, but Fellows are usually involved in and develop expertise in many activities, such as designing approaches used to answer policy relevant questions, reviewing literature, preparing and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, researching technical issues, writing memos and reports, and presenting study approaches and findings to sponsors.
How much of what STPI does is policy creation as opposed to policy support?
Because STPI is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), staff are not directly involved in making policy. STPI’s role is to provide objective analysis to support and inform policymakers’ decisions.
What types of interactions do Fellows have with policymakers and other stakeholders?
Fellows frequently interact with sponsors at team meetings and presentations, and they may attend high-level meetings that provide opportunities to engage in discussions with policymakers.
What opportunities for professional development do Fellows have?
Fellows are encouraged to pursue independent policy research related to the tasks they perform, with the goal of producing publishable (peer-reviewed journal articles or conference papers) work. Fellows also are provided informal opportunities for networking with policy-makers in the D.C. area.
What do Fellows do after their Fellowships end?
STPI encourages Fellows to pursue an advanced degree or other opportunities that allow for career growth. Former Fellows have pursued graduate studies in a variety of areas, including evaluation, law, and science and technology studies. Others have pursued careers in non-profits, management consulting, and science writing.
Is the Science Policy Fellowship a paid fellowship?
Yes, the Fellowship is a paid, term-limited, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
When do Fellows start the Science Policy Fellowship?
Fellows typically start the Fellowship in mid-July.
Whom do I contact if I have more questions?
Send queries via email to STPI-Fellow@ida.org.