Science & Technology Policy Fellowship

About the role

The Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the Aspen Tech Policy Hub is designed for science and technology experts with limited policy experience who seek to translate their expertise into policy impact. The fellow will engage deeply with a mandatory, in-person policy bootcamp that introduces the fundamentals of policymaking through interactive classes, real-world problem analysis, and practical exercises. The program emphasizes core competencies such as identifying policy problems, defining alternatives, developing policy outputs, and communicating effectively with stakeholders. Fellows will practice drafting policy memos, crafting elevator pitches, and producing other concise, actionable communications. The curriculum focuses on priority areas that may include emerging technology, cybersecurity, and climate change, while actively encouraging participation from individuals working with or advocating for marginalized communities. Fellows also have the option to complete a remote, part-time final project after the bootcamp, producing substantive policy deliverables and presenting recommendations to policymakers.

What you'll do

• Conduct initial research into science and technology topics provided by partner organizations.
• Map key stakeholders relevant to specific policy problems in priority focus areas such as emerging technology, cybersecurity, and climate change.
• Draft policy memos that outline problems, constraints, and potential regulatory options.
• Prepare concise elevator pitches that explain technical subjects to non-technical audiences.
• Analyze existing regulations and propose potential modifications based on new evidence.
• Develop white papers that synthesize technical literature for policymakers.
• Create communication toolkits that help organizations explain complex issues clearly.
• Produce draft regulations or implementation frameworks for optional final project work.
• Present policy recommendations to internal reviewers and external stakeholders.
• Synthesize feedback from instructors and peers to refine final policy deliverables.

Requirements

1. Professional experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM): Applicants should have significant professional experience in a STEM field. Acceptable backgrounds include, but are not limited to, working as an engineer or computer scientist at a public interest organization, a business executive at a science or technology company, a researcher at a university or think tank, or an environmental lawyer. These examples are illustrative and do not limit eligibility.

2. Potential to apply technical expertise to policy and social change

• Applicants must demonstrate passion for solving societal challenges related to science and technology and be able to articulate creative, innovative approaches to creating policy impact.

3. Limited prior policy experience

• Applicants should not have significantly explored policy engagement previously. This is an introductory program, and those with advanced policy backgrounds (such as a master's in public policy or extensive policy work) are less likely to be a strong fit.

4. Basic eligibility requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age by the start of the program.
• Be fluent in English.
• Commit to full-time participation during the 3.5-week incubator process.
• Be able to reside in person in the Bay Area during the in-person bootcamp.
• Hold legal status to work and reside in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience working directly with communities that face marginalization.
• A demonstrated interest in tackling disparities related to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other dimensions of diversity.
• Focus on priority areas including emerging technology, cybersecurity, and climate change.

Practical notes

• The in-person policy bootcamp runs from June 5-28, 2024, at Tides Converge in San Francisco.
• Fellows accepted into the optional final project phase will work remotely a minimum of 10-12 hours per week from June 28 to August 25, 2024.
• Out-of-town fellows will receive a small stipend to cover travel to the Bay Area.
• Accepted fellows receive a $7,500 stipend to defray costs for food and lodging during the in-person portion.
• Fellows who complete the optional final project receive an additional $5,000.
• The program provides training in non-lobbying advocacy and does not teach lobbying or political campaign activities.
• Applications closed on March 11th. For updates on future programming, join the mailing list at aspenpolicyacademy.org.