AIP Congressional Fellowship Application Deadline Approaching

The need for dialogue between the science community and the federal government has never been greater. Are you interested in experiencing this dynamic interaction from the inside? Members of the physics community who want to spend a unique year learning about the inner workings of the federal government should consider applying to the American Institute of Physics Congressional Science Fellowship Program. The application deadline is January 15.

Congressional Fellowships are an opportunity for physicists who want to apply their knowledge and skills beyond the lab bench to the conduct of national policy. After a two-week orientation in Washington, Fellows work with congressional offices to select an assignment in the office of a Member of Congress or for a congressional committee. Recent Fellows have contributed their talents to issues as diverse as energy efficiency, nuclear waste and power safety, digital music copyrights, homeland security, Native American issues, and judicial misconduct.

The AIP Fellowship program is supported, in part, by contributions from three of AIP’s Member Societies: the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and AVS: Science and Technology of Materials, Interfaces and Processing. Through Fellowship programs, the American Institute of Physics sponsors scientists to come to Washington and spend a year taking an active role in providing S&T expertise to the federal government. Fellows gain a perspective which, ideally, will enhance not only their own careers but also the physics community’s ability to more effectively communicate with its representatives in Congress. In addition, some of AIP’s Member Societies sponsor their own Congressional fellow. These societies include, APS, OSA and AGU. More information about these fellowship programs can be found here .

Scientists of all ages and career levels are encouraged to apply. If you are a U.S. citizen and have a PhD or equivalent research background, you may be eligible to apply for the AIP Congressional Fellowship Program. The fellowship term is for one year, usually running September through August. Benefits include a stipend of $65,000 per year, a relocation allowance, an allowance for in-service travel for professional development and reimbursement for health insurance up to a specified maximum.

Qualifications include:

• Excellent scientific credentials; a PhD in a technical field defined by the scope of the activities of AIP’s Member Societies. PhD requirement waived for outstanding candidates with equivalent research experience.
• U.S. citizenship and membership in any of the ten AIP Member Societies .
• Interest or experience in applying scientific knowledge to the solution of societal problems.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills.
• Sound judgment and maturity in decision-making.

Applications are due by January 15. Application instructions can be found here .