ACS Public Policy Fellowship Program 2023

Deadline: January 15, 2023

ACS Public Policy Fellowship Program 2023

ACS has two types of Public Policy Fellowship programs: the Science Policy Fellowship and the Congressional Fellowship.

Science and technology are increasingly important in public policy. From environmental sustainability to homeland security, policy-makers routinely make decisions that require input from and have impact on the chemical community. Yet only one in five members of Congress have a background in a STEM subject and trained scientists often often lack the opportunity and expertise to successfully engage in the policy process.

The ACS Congressional and Science Policy Fellowship Programs are designed to address both these concerns. The programs provide a unique opportunity for members to gain practical experience and insights into public policy by working on Capitol Hill or at ACS in Washington, DC.

Fellowships include:

  • An intensive two-week orientation that provides an overview of the federal policy-making process and establishes context for the Fellowship positions
  • Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities, continue throughout the program

Fellows may be entry-level PhDs or experienced professionals from academia, industry, or non-profits. Former fellows have covered issues as diverse as federal funding for scientific research, science education, energy and environment, and health policy.

The ACS offers two public policy fellowships:
  • The ACS Congressional Fellowship is a one-year opportunity; two ACS members per year are placed on Capitol Hill as part of the larger, AAAS-administered program.
  • The ACS Science Policy Fellowship is a one-year opportunity that is renewable for a second year. One Science Policy Fellow position is available at a time.
  • ACS Fellowship applications will reopen November 15, 2022 for the 2023-2024 cycle.

Fellowships start in September; however, the Congressional Fellowship start date may be delayed until January at the Fellow’s request.

ACS Congressional Fellowship

The Congressional Fellowship Program places two fellows each year as staff members in the office of a Senator, Representative, or Committee. As part of a broader effort administered by AAAS that places more than 30 scientists per year in Congress, the program has two main goals: to provide policy-makers with high quality information on science-related issues and to educate scientists on how government works and how science policy is made.

Fellows work on the Congressional staff of their choice; placement support is provided by ACS and AAAS. Fellows typically serve as legislative assistants, advising on a range of science policy issues and interacting with constituents.

ACS Science Policy Fellowship

The ACS Science Policy Fellowship Program places one Science Policy Fellow (SPF) with the ACS Government Affairs, Outreach & Alliances team for 1-2 years. The SPF works with experienced Government Affairs staff on areas of importance to the chemistry enterprise, including: federal funding for scientific research; science, technology, engineering and math education; green chemistry; environmental policy; and regulatory policy. The SPF also supports ACS’ member-driven policy development process and encourages members to engage with their elected officials and other policymakers.

SPFs gain a deeper understanding of how scientists and scientific organizations participate in public affairs through broad exposure to a range of policy topics and federal agencies. SPFs also conducts a unique fellowship project based on their interests.

Stipend and Allowances

Fellows receive a stipend and allowances for relocation, travel, and health insurance. These differ for the two programs.

ACS Congressional Fellowship
ACS Science Policy Fellowship
Stipend
  • Congressional Fellows with fewer than seven years of post-degree work experience receive a stipend based on government rates for the GS-12, step 1 level set in January of the year the Fellowship begins. (In 2020, the GS-12, step 1 level was approximately $86,000.)
  • Congressional Fellows with more than seven years of post-degree work experience receive a stipend based on government rates for the GS-12, step 5 level set in January of the year the Fellowship begins. (In 2020, that level was approximately $97,000.)
Science Policy Fellows receive a starting salary of about $76,500 plus the same benefit package as full time ACS employees.
Relocation
Reimbursement for expenses related to relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area is available for fellows residing more than 35 miles from the Fellowship location.Reimbursement for expenses related to relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area is available for fellows residing more than 35 miles from the Fellowship location.
Travel
Fellowship-related travel may be reimbursable by ACS. All such travel must be pre-approved by the ACS.Fellowship-related travel is provided by ACS Government Affairs.
Health Insurance
Fellows are responsible for securing their own health insurance, but receive reimbursement for most health insurance costs.Fellows qualify for the ACS employee benefit package, including health insurance.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

For  more information, please click here