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John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship
Job Summary
Category
Other
Institution
American Astronomical Society
Department
Public Policy Department
Number of Positions Available
1
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Washington, DC
United States
Job Description
Who We Are
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is a nonprofit membership organization working to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community. Our membership of about 8,200 individuals includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences. AAS’s advocacy efforts focus on US federal policymaking that impacts the astronomical sciences, including research and education funding, policies impacting the profession, and regulations.
Position Summary
The John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship is a full-time one-year postdoctoral level position, renewable for a second year. The salary for this position is like the AIP Congressional Science Fellowship. The Fellowship is named in honor of Dr. John Bahcall, a successful advocate for astronomy and respected researcher.
In partnership with the AAS Director and Deputy Director of Public Policy, the Bahcall Public Policy Fellow will be responsible for a wide range of AAS public policy activities including:
- Direct advocacy for issues in the astronomical sciences with Congress, the Administration, and others
- Building and maintaining relationships with key policy people related to the astronomical sciences (Congressional staff, White House staff, federal agency staff, National Academies, etc.)
- Supporting the work of the Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (CAPP), the Committee for Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE), Division policy committees, and Society and Division leadership
- Coordination of multiple Congressional visits days for groups of AAS members
- Coordination of educational briefings and exhibitions on Capitol Hill
- Drafting of congressional testimony, letters to policymakers, AAS Board resolutions, and advocacy materials
- Developing and implementing policy sessions for AAS annual meetings
- Authorship of the AAS Policy Blog, policy-related AAS social media, and AAS Action Alerts and Informational Emails
- Delivering invited colloquium talks at college/university departments and other institutions around the country
- Representing the AAS in several science and technology coalitions, including taking on occasional leadership roles for special events or initiatives
- Attendance at policy-related events: receptions, Congressional hearings, coalition meetings, conferences, briefings, advisory committee meetings, colloquia, etc.
- Monitoring developments across the astronomical science community in major scientific results, priorities, challenges, and concerns that relate to federal policies and funding
Qualifications
- Full or Graduate Student membership in the AAS at the time of application (other classes of AAS or Division membership will not be considered)
- PhD in the astronomical sciences or a related field; all degree requirements must be completed before the start of the fellowship term
- Demonstrated interest or experience in science policy and advocacy
- Excellent record of technical accomplishment
- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills; willing to network; comfortable being outgoing in professional settings
- Sound judgment and maturity in decision-making
- Legally authorized to work in the US (AAS cannot sponsor work authorizations at this time)
Compensation and Benefits
Currency
467
Included Benefits
AAS offers a competitive salary plus an exceptional benefits package, generous sick and vacation time, 13 paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, parking and commuter benefits, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.
Application Details
Application Instructions
The application form is available here: https://aas.org/form/john-n-bahcall-public-policy-fel
Interested and qualified applicants should submit contact information, PhD status, three references, a cover letter, and a short CV. The cover letter should explain the applicant’s interest in the position, how the fellowship fits into the applicant's career plans at this time, and attributes and experience that would make the applicant highly effective in this position. Your letter writers will be contacted to submit their reference letters by the application deadline. Relevant writing samples will be requested of semi-finalists. We have the flexibility to accommodate different start dates. Please indicate your earliest possible start date in the webform.
Only applications submitted via an online web form will be considered.
Applications will be reviewed as received with preference given to those received by 15 April 2026.
The AAS actively seeks diverse candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.
The AAS recognizes that candidates with non-traditional career paths, or individuals who are at earlier stages of their careers may have demonstrated experience in different ways. The AAS encourages applications from such individuals. We welcome you to apply today!
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. The chosen candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and have appropriate work authorization documentation.
Please direct all questions to [email protected].
Interested and qualified applicants should submit contact information, PhD status, three references, a cover letter, and a short CV. The cover letter should explain the applicant’s interest in the position, how the fellowship fits into the applicant's career plans at this time, and attributes and experience that would make the applicant highly effective in this position. Your letter writers will be contacted to submit their reference letters by the application deadline. Relevant writing samples will be requested of semi-finalists. We have the flexibility to accommodate different start dates. Please indicate your earliest possible start date in the webform.
Only applications submitted via an online web form will be considered.
Applications will be reviewed as received with preference given to those received by 15 April 2026.
The AAS actively seeks diverse candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.
The AAS recognizes that candidates with non-traditional career paths, or individuals who are at earlier stages of their careers may have demonstrated experience in different ways. The AAS encourages applications from such individuals. We welcome you to apply today!
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. The chosen candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and have appropriate work authorization documentation.
Please direct all questions to [email protected].
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2026 Feb 13
Application Deadline
2026 Apr 15