Science and Technology Policy Fellow

Position Summary: Science and Technology Policy Fellows at WV STeP are primarily responsible for interfacing with policymakers, conducting research, and generating Science and Technology (S&T) Notes. Fellows will regularly attend committee meetings, answering questions and networking with legislators, legislative staff, and topical experts as available. 

WV STeP strives to ensure outstanding academic services and products. Fellows should demonstrate a continual commitment to accurate, high-quality content and client satisfaction through in-depth research results. 

WV STeP Fellows must also demonstrate a dedication to integrity, teamwork, open and effective communication, positive organizational culture, and our vision and goals. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

Production of Science and Technology Notes

• Identify topics relevant to the West Virginia Legislature, either through issue tracking, conversations with legislators or legislative staff, or through direct requests in the S&T Note Portal
• Conduct timely research into relevant background, policy status quo, and policy options in other states where necessary
• Synthesize scientific and technical research related to policy topics
• Identify reputable sources and figures that support and communicate the science and technology policy research topics
• Provide analysis of the efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and ease of political acceptability for policy options
• Prepare figures and formatted S&T Notes using established PDF templates 
• Identify and interface with subject matter experts where needed for S&T Note content
• Disseminate S&T Notes to legislators and legislative staff once prepared
• Answer follow-up questions presented by stakeholders, as needed

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Regularly meet with Executive Director to discuss S&T Notes and/or professional development
• Attend committee meetings, including interim and main session convenings 
• Assist at any event, set up, meal, or fundraiser when needed

Skills, Capabilities, and Attributes

• PhD required; other professional degrees (MD, DO, JD will be considered). If an applicant has completed all of their degree requirements but has not graduated or defended, they may provide a letter from their committee confirming that they will complete their degree prior to the fellowship start date.
• Interest in state-level policy practices and procedures, particularly in West Virginia
• Capacity to provide nonpartisan, objective information to policymakers, withholding personal biases
• Excellence in written and oral communication, particularly in breaking down complex technical information for a general audience
• Initiative and ability to work independently on a variety of tasks
• Working knowledge of data analysis
• Competency in all MS Office suite
• Professionalism and maturity