CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellow

The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program annually recruits and trains a cohort of fifteen PhD scientists, social scientists, and engineers to spend one year working in Sacramento, directly serving decision-makers within the California State Legislature and Executive Branch.

During their year of public service, CCST S&T Policy Fellows get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policymaking in the state of California. Working as staff members in the State Assembly, State Senate, a State Agency, or Offices of the Governor, Fellows work alongside decision-makers to evaluate complex scientific issues and interpret data while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers.

The program begins with a one-month crash course in policy, along with informal meeting opportunities to get to know potential placement offices and mentors. CCST matches Fellows with an office that fits their learning desires, where they will work daily while continuing to train with CCST weekly. Job duties vary depending on the placement office chosen. Fellows use transferable skills from their studies, such as research, writing, and analysis, in their daily work. Each placement office has an assigned mentor, plus supervision and HR support from CCST.

Eligibility:

• By Sept. 15, 2026: a Ph.D. or equivalent level degree (Sc.D., M.D., DVM, DO, DDS, EdD, etc.) in a qualified field (engineering; social or behavioral sciences; medical or health sciences; biological, physical, or earth sciences; or computational sciences or mathematics).
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States as a U.S. citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident. CCST will not sponsor a Fellow for a work visa.

Fellowship dates

• Nov. 2, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2027

Compensation:

• Salary
• Paid-time off
• Health, dental, & vision benefits
• Reimbursements for approved professional development and relocation
   

Application Materials:

• Application
• Resume/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Career Paths:
 

• Following the Fellowship, Fellows work in a variety of careers, mostly policy related, in state and federal government, at nonprofit institutions, academic institutions, federal laboratories, and more.
• Fellowship work can relate directly to their PhD, or serve as an opportunity to jump into completely new topics of interest.
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Salary and Benefits:

The base salary is $70,304. Although most fellows will be paid the base salary, we have limited flexibility to provide a larger salary for fellows who meet certain criteria of experience and current salary. CCST offers paid time off, health, dental, and vision benefits, and reimbursements for approved professional development and travel expenditures. In addition, CCST will reimburse up to $4,000 in relocation costs for moves over 50 miles.

Deadline:

Monday March 2, 2026, 11:59 pm PST
 

Apply:

https://webportalapp.com/sp/ccst

To learn more:

• View program overview & timeline 
• Check out the FAQ page
• Meet the 2025 Fellows
• Read what current & former Fellows have to say
• Hear former Fellows answer common questions

Still have questions? Inquiries can be directed to Fellows Program Manager Bethany Hopkins at bethany.hopkins@ccst.us

Apply here by March 2 to kickstart your science policy career!