1 December 2015

AIP Seeks Applications for Congressional Fellowship Program

Richard Fienberg

Richard Fienberg American Astronomical Society

This announcement is posted on behalf of Jennifer Greenamoyer, American Institute of Physics:

If you are a scientist interested in working inside the halls of Congress, we encourage you to apply for a Congressional science fellowship through the American Institute of Physics and Acoustical Society of America program. The application deadline for the 2016-17 term is 15 January 2016.

Congressional science fellows have a unique opportunity to contribute their knowledge and skills to directly addressing societal challenges. In turn, science policy fellows broaden their experience by interacting with policymakers and learning about the legislative and policy processes. Fellows serve a one-year term in a personal office of a member of Congress or as staff to a congressional committee.

Science fellows on Capitol Hill have made contributions to areas as wide-ranging as judicial misconduct, digital piracy, dairy industry disaster relief, Native American issues, encryption and consumer privacy, and even commercial whaling, as well as the more commonly cited issues of energy, environment, nuclear power, homeland security, non-proliferation, education and the workforce, and technology transfer.

The fellowship program is administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and affords fellows a comprehensive orientation program, a professional development program, and extensive networking opportunities throughout the year. The fellowship includes a $77,500 stipend, health insurance reimbursement, relocation funds, and a professional development allotment.

Application Information and Qualifications

Qualified scientists at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a PhD in physics or a closely related field and be members of one or more of AIP's Member Societies (e.g., the AAS). For information on the fellowship program qualifications and application instructions, please visit our website. Final interviews will take place in spring 2016, and the 12-month fellowship term will begin in fall 2016.

AIP has been proud to partner with the Acoustical Society of America in sponsoring a Congressional fellow since 2009.

Application components include a letter of intent, resume, and three letters of recommendation. More information and a link to our online application portal is available at the website. Developing a clear, comprehensive, and competitive application takes significant time. Start early and contact your references as soon as possible. All application materials must be received by the 15 January deadline.

Please see our website or contact Jennifer Greenamoyer (301-209-3104) if you have questions or need additional information.

Several of AIP's member societies also sponsor Congressional fellows. More information on those programs is on our website.