Congressional Fellow

FAS•Washington, DC

8d•$154,000 - $154,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community. FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity. The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world. Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world. The FAS Impact Fellowship is a selective fellowship program that supports the development and placement of emerging scientific and technical talent within high-impact roles across government. From education to wildfire resilience, national security, and housing, Impact Fellows are serving across a variety of government agencies in roles embedded within existing government teams as they confront some of the greatest scientific and social challenges of our time. The Federation of American Scientists is seeking to sponsor a fellow, who will be placed within the office of a member of Congress. FAS is looking for a mid-career individual with a strong scientific or technical background interested in an educational opportunity to work temporarily in Congress to fill this role. The fellow will have the opportunity to utilize their scientific expertise and analytic skills, while increasing their understanding of the legislative process and public policy. This is a temporary, 12-month fellowship. As part of this opportunity, the fellow will be expected to pursue educational opportunities in Congress; to that end, professional development opportunities will be included as part of this program.

Requirements

An expert with a strong scientific or technical background
A policy entrepreneur: a nimble and strategic operator with the hunger to actualize policy ideas in a fast-moving policy environment
Dynamic policy interests: Stated portfolio needs include issues related to science and technology; AI; government capacity; “natural capital” (i.e., energy and the environment). The candidate should be interested in innovating the American research establishment and increasing engagement with science among the American public. The portfolio may adapt and shape over the course of the fellowship.
Collaborator: An ideal candidate will excel working closely within an office and across legislative, communications, administrative teams, and more.
A Ph.D., or
A MS degree PLUS at least 3 years of post-degree work experience, or
A BS degree PLUS 5 years of post-degree work experience.
Applicants must demonstrate sensitivity towards policy and political issues and have a strong interest in applying their expertise toward societal solutions.
Applicants must be able to work for the fellowship period in Washington, D.C. The fellowship period is for 12 months.
Current federal employees are not eligible.
Cover letter expressing interest in the program
Curriculum Vitae
Two Letters of Recommendation
fellows must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland or northern Virginia for the duration of the fellowship.

Responsibilities

Work with office leadership to formulate and advance legislative initiatives for assigned issue areas
Track legislation and engage in legislative activity for the Member, including committee matters, bills before the floor, and other legislation of interest.
Provide input to help the communications team to draft speeches, press releases, op-eds, and statements for the Member
Represent the Member at meetings with constituents and interest groups
Provide district office staff with targeted information for community events and town hall meetings