2025 Science Policy Fellowship
Overview
The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) is a congressionally chartered, Federally Funded Research and Development Center operated by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA).
STPI provides independent analytical support to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal departments and agencies on science and technology (S&T) policy issues. The STPI Science Policy Fellowship Program provides recent bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients a unique opportunity to use their critical thinking and analytic skills to work on a diverse set of challenges in S&T policy areas, including space sciences, innovation and competitiveness, energy, health and life sciences, national security, biotechnology, information technologies, and STEM education.
Responsibilities
Fellows will work with teams of researchers to support a wide variety of S&T policy-related tasks. Duties may include conducting survey-based and interview-based research, database development, use of data visualization tools, use of statistical techniques, and other qualitative and quantitative methods to perform project-driven policy analysis. Over the course of the two-year program, experiences will include:
- Participation in analyses that support tasking from Federal Government policymakers
- Interaction with OSTP and other Federal science agency personnel
- Involvement in workshops and discussions on relevant topics
- Mentorship from members of the STPI research staff
- Training on specific analytical methods and tools
- Attendance and presentation at select professional society meetings
Qualifications
- This is a full time position and is only open to recent recipients of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Candidates with degrees higher than a master’s degree will not be considered.
- Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree conferred between May 2023 and July 2025. Candidates with MA/MS degrees should apply if their bachelor’s degrees were conferred between May 2022 and July 2024.
- Candidates with degrees in engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, computer science, mathematical sciences, statistics, and learning sciences are encouraged to apply.
- Candidates should possess a strong interest in science and technology policy, although previous policy experience is not required.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, and will be asked to give a 30-minute presentation on a topic to be assigned during a group interview.
- Ideal candidates are able to contribute to and support team efforts.
Application Materials
To be considered for this fellowship opportunity, interested candidates must follow a two-step process:
- Apply using the link on IDA's careers page.
- Submit via email to STPI-Fellow@ida.org the following documents:
- Personal Statement—explain in 1,000 words or less why you want to work in the area of science and technology policy and how your background/experience will contribute to STPI’s work
- Writing Sample—5,000-word maximum
- Transcripts—unofficial transcripts are acceptable for consideration
- Two Letters of Academic Recommendation—letters must be signed by the individual rendering the reference and delivered as PDF files. Letters can also be sent directly to STPI-Fellow@ida.org by the recommender.
Ensure the application and supporting materials are submitted no later than January 6, 2025.
Why Work at IDA?
- Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
- Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our nation’s warfighters.
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA’s non-profit status.
- Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
- Professional development, including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
- A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40- hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
- Easy access to local dining and shopping. Employer contributes $300/month (the IRS maximum) to commuter benefits.
Compensation
We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program. The stipend for this fellowship is based on data-driven market analysis. Fellows receive an annual stipend as follows:
Baccalaureate Fellows Salary
Baccalaureate Fellow - Year 1
$70,000.00
Baccalaureate Fellow - Year 2
$71,500.00
Science Policy Fellows Salary
Science Policy Fellow - Year 1
$79,500.00
Science Policy Fellow - Year 2
$81,000.00
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to employment@ida.org and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.