AIP and U.S. Department of State Announce New Science Fellowship

We are announcing a new opportunity for interested scientists to make a unique and substantial contribution to the nation’s foreign policy process! AIP and the Department of State have established a new Science Fellowship program , and are seeking candidates for our first Fellowship selection. The program is open to members of AIP’s ten Member Societies, who have interest or experience in foreign policy issues. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a PhD or equivalent research experience, and must postmark their application materials by April 15. See below for complete information on applying.

Just as Congress needs input from scientists as it molds and influences national policy on issues ranging from energy and climate change to telecommunications and export controls to nuclear nonproliferation and the uses of space, so too does the U.S. Department of State need scientific and technological expertise as it addresses many such issues in the context of foreign policy.

To help provide this expertise, AIP has worked with the State Department to set up a Science Fellowship program. Each year, AIP will select as a Fellow at least one scientist from one of its Member Societies, and sponsor that Fellow to work in a bureau or office of the U.S. State Department. The Fellow will become actively and directly involved in the foreign policy process and help heighten awareness within the Department of the increasing significance of science and technology in many realms of foreign policy.

Science and technology issues “have moved to the forefront of the international diplomatic agenda,” declared the National Research Council in its October 1999 report, “The Pervasive Role of Science, Technology, and Health in Foreign Policy: Imperatives for the Department of State.” The report added, “Precisely because [scientific and technological] developments are such a pervasive force, they cannot be isolated from the fundamental workings of foreign policy. The [State] Department needs the capability to understand how technological factors influence political and economic developments. Indeed, an appreciation of how such factors are inextricably embedded in international relations is essential....” In its May 2000 response, the State Department acknowledged “the growing significance of science and technology based issues in foreign policy” and promised “to do what is necessary to respond to this challenge and to meet its responsibilities in this area.”

This newly-established program provides a way for the science community to assist the State Department in enhancing its scientific capacity. As it does with its Congressional Science Fellowship program, AIP will administer its new State Department Science Fellowship program under the auspices of, and with the cooperation of, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AIP is also interested in discussing possible cooperation with other professional societies.

• QUALIFICATIONS: Requirements include membership in one or more of AIP’s ten Member Societies, and a PhD in physics or a closely related field. In exceptional cases, the PhD requirement may be waived for applicants with equivalent research experience. Fellows are required to be U.S. citizens. In addition to outstanding scientific credentials, excellent communications skills, and sound judgment, applicants ideally will possess familiarity with, or experience in, scientific or technical aspects of foreign policy.
• FELLOWSHIP TERM: The Fellowship term is for one year, with the possibility of requesting an extension for a second year. Once the Fellow is selected, arrangements will be made with the State Department to obtain a security clearance. The Fellow will also be required to attend a September orientation run by AAAS. The Fellow will interview with interested bureaus in the State Department to choose an assignment. AIP has no role in selecting the Fellow’s assignment, and the Fellow does not act as a representative of AIP during his or her term.
• BENEFITS: AIP will provide a stipend of $49,000 per year, plus allowances toward relocation, in-service travel to scientific meetings, and health insurance premiums. Other costs associated with the Fellow’s assignment will be paid by the Fellow’s host bureau in the State Department.
• APPLICATION INFORMATION: To apply, candidates should submit the materials requested below to the address shown.

For the Spring 2001 selection, all application materials must be postmarked by April 15, 2001, with the Fellowship term to begin in Fall 2001. There will be a second selection held in Fall 2001, with application deadline to be determined later. Application materials should be on standard 8.5" x 11" stationery, single-sided, unstapled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The materials needed are:

• Cover sheet, indicating name; address; phone; email; names of references; US citizenship; PhD status; and society membership(s).
• Letter of intent, discussing your reason for applying; scientific training and professional background; foreign policy interest and experience; and attributes or experience that would make you effective in this position.
• Resume
• Three letters of reference from those having direct knowledge of your character, professional competence, and particular education, attributes, or experience that would enhance your suitability for this position. Please arrange to have the letters of reference sent directly to the address below.