APS/AIP Science & Technology Postdoc Policy Fellowship

This announcement is posted on behalf of Tyler Glembo (American Physical Society):

The Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) in the Department of Education (ED) is considering a fellowship position for a PhD-level scientist interested in working on a variety of policy initiatives and research projects. OII is responsible for the coordination and development of major policy initiatives and the department's annual budget request, working in close collaboration with staff across the department, with the White House, with Congress, and with external stakeholders to craft policies that will best realize the president's goals of closing the achievement gap and making the United States first in the world in college completion by 2020. The fellowship is for one year, with a possible renewal for a second year.

Fellows may be asked to do any/all of the following:

• Conduct research analysis and develop metrics to assess the impact of various department initiatives, and to explore emerging science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) issues in P-12 education, higher education, career and technical/vocational/adult education, or STEM teacher preparation and support.
• Identify and build out new ways for the department to deepen its impact in the STEM fields, including partnerships with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector.
• Coordinate interagency efforts to achieve the department's policy goals as defined by the Committee on STEM Education 5-year Federal Strategic Plan.
• Develop policy priorities for newly proposed programs such as the STEM Innovation Networks.
• Perform legislative research and attend congressional hearings, briefings, and other events on the department's behalf.

Criteria for Participation

• Hold a doctoral-level degree (PhD) in a field of physics or any of the other physical sciences represented by the AIP Member Societies, with a preference for physics-education research. Note: Ideally, all requirements for the degree would be completed prior to August 2015.
• Have solid scientific and technical credentials and the endorsement of three references.
• Show a commitment to serve society.
• Exhibit outstanding communications skills and demonstrated ability to craft policy papers, decision memos, talking points, and program proposals on complex education issues for diverse audiences, including nonscientific audiences.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work with a wide range of individuals and offices at the department and ability to be effective in large bureaucracies.
• Possess the ability to operate and execute with limited guidance and in ambiguous or novel circumstances; and ability to appropriately and effectively use informal authority when leading teams or projects.
• Hold US citizenship (dual citizenship is acceptable).
• Federal employees are not eligible.
• Candidates should have familiarity with education policy and the challenges of teaching STEM in P-16 classrooms.

To begin the application process, send the following to Tyler Glembo. Application deadline is 11:59 pm EDT on 5 April.

• Letter of intent
• Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation