Applications Sought for Science Policy Fellowships

Applications are being accepted for the ASA Science Policy Fellowship, during which the fellow spends 1–2 years in Washington, DC, working to elevate the profile of statistics in policymaking and advocating on behalf of the profession.

The fellow will be based at the ASA headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, but will spend the bulk of her/his time in Washington, experiencing first-hand how federal science policy is formed.

In partnership with the ASA director of science policy, the science policy fellow is responsible for a wide range of activities, including the following:

• Initiating and leading new advocacy topics for the ASA (preferably in collaboration with other societies)
• Advocating specific statistics-related issues to Congress, the administration, and others
• Exploring and implementing ways in which the ASA’s science policy activities could be expanded to better meet its responsibilities (e.g., congressional briefings, webinars)
• Maintaining relationships with key policy officials related to statistics (e.g., US Census Bureau, Hill staff, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Academies)
• Generally supporting the dual responsibilities of ASA science policy work: raising the profile of statistics in policymaking and advocating on behalf of the statistics profession
• Attending policy-related events (e.g., congressional hearings, coalition meetings, conferences, briefings, colloquia)
• Coordinating ASA participation in statistics and science and technology coalition events
• Speaking publicly on behalf of the ASA, especially for colloquia
• Communicating with ASA members about science policy (e.g., through  Amstat News, e-news, social media)

Fellowship candidates are expected to possess an excellent record of accomplishment, strong commitment to public service, superb interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrated ability to multitask and work on a team.

Interested applicants holding a PhD in statistics—or a closely related science—should submit a letter of application, short résumé, writing samples (nontechnical if available), and contact information for three professional references. Outstanding applicants with an MS in statistics or related science will also be considered. The letter of application should not exceed two pages and should explain the applicant’s policy interest and reason for applying, scientific and professional background, and attributes and experience that would make him/her effective in this position.

These materials should be submitted via email to ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson. Questions about this opportunity and application requirements also may be directed to Pierson.

The ASA Science Policy Fellowship is a full-year, postdoctoral-level position, renewable for a second year. The compensation is competitive with that of congressional science fellows and other DC-area policy fellows.