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Hellman and Simons Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy

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Hybrid
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The Hellman and Simons Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy provides an early-career professional with training in science or engineering the opportunity to learn about a career in science policy and non-profit administration. While in residence, Hellman Fellows work with senior scientists, policy experts, and industry leaders on critical national and international policy issues related to science, engineering, and technology.

The Hellman and Simons Fellow serves as a full-time member of the program area staff and contributes to new and ongoing projects within the “Science, Engineering, and Technology” (SET) program area. Over the two-year tenure, the Fellow will play a key role in helping design and launch new project ideas into Academy's initiatives around artificial intelligence, mental health, and trust in science and data. 

The Hellman and Simons Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy is funded through a generous partnership between the Hellman Foundation of San Francisco, CA and the Simons Foundation of New York, NY.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address significant challenges. Academy projects bring together elected members and subject matter experts in cross-disciplinary efforts to produce independent and pragmatic studies that inform public policy and advance the public good. The Academy is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and looks to all its staff members to foster and promote its values.

 

Position
Full time

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Compensation
$76k, plus a full benefits package including time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) plan, parental leave, and more.

The Hellman and Simons Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy provides an early-career professional with training in science or engineering the opportunity to learn about a career in science policy and non-profit administration. While in residence, Hellman Fellows work with senior scientists, policy experts, and industry leaders on critical national and international policy issues related to science, engineering, and technology.

The Hellman and Simons Fellow serves as a full-time member of the program area staff and contributes to new and ongoing projects within the “Science, Engineering, and Technology” (SET) program area. Over the two-year tenure, the Fellow will play a key role in helping design and launch new project ideas into Academy's initiatives around artificial intelligence, mental health, and trust in science and data. 

The Hellman and Simons Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy is funded through a generous partnership between the Hellman Foundation of San Francisco, CA and the Simons Foundation of New York, NY.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address significant challenges. Academy projects bring together elected members and subject matter experts in cross-disciplinary efforts to produce independent and pragmatic studies that inform public policy and advance the public good. The Academy is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and looks to all its staff members to foster and promote its values.

 

Major Areas of Responsibility

  • Collaborate with program staff to carry out policy and academic studies;
    • Draft and edit reports for internal use and external audiences, including workshop proceedings, white papers, policy briefs, and online content;
    • Gather, synthesize, and edit research findings and technical data;
    • Assemble committees of experts from inside and outside the Academy’s membership and provide guidance and support to those committees and advisory groups in the conduct of their work;
    • Develop agendas and multimedia presentations for committee meetings and project workshops and draft meeting summaries;
    • Work with the Program Associate for Science, Engineering, and Technology to prepare and distribute conference materials and provide on-site staff support.
    • Design and organize outreach activities to communicate the findings and recommendations from Academy studies to external audiences; and
    • Draft and edit grant proposals and progress reports.
  • Support new project development within Science, Engineering, and Technology;
  • With guidance from senior program staff, identify professional development opportunities to advance the Fellow’s knowledge and skills relevant to the field of science and technology policy.
  • Help expand the profile of the Academy and its audiences within the academic and policy communities;
  • Participate in the development and implementation of member engagement initiatives as requested;
  • Collaborate with other Academy departments, including communications, events, publications, and development, to ensure successful completion of program activities;
  • Assist with executive briefings, presidential remarks, and speeches;
  • Other duties as assigned

Fellowship Eligibility

  • Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an area of science or engineering and have some experience or a demonstrated interest in an area related to science and technology policy. Ph.D. dissertations must be successfully defended before the start of the position. 
  • Prior work experience in a non-profit or policy environment preferred 
  • Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without Academy sponsorship.

Qualifications

  • Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ability to synthesize and summarize research findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences;
  • Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and event-management skills.
  • Ability to display initiative and follow-through skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to comfortably and professionally interface with a wide range of constituents, including Academy members, staff, and the public at large.
  • Ability to learn quickly, prioritize tasks, and work accurately under pressure.

  • Ability to creatively problem-solve and be flexible to work in a changing environment.

     

Terms

The appointment is for a two-year term, starting either January or July 2025.

Application 

To be considered for the role, candidates must submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and a resume or CV. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 31st.

Location and Work Environment

This is position is a hybrid role based within commuting distance of either our D.C. or Cambridge office.

Commitment to Diversity

The American Academy is committed to the diversity of its staff and membership. As a scholarly organization and research center, the Academy recognizes that diversity of thought, class, experience, sex, gender, race, physical or mental ability, age, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation is a value to uphold and is central to the mission and work of the organization. A more pluralistic staff embracing diversity of thought, approach and life experience fosters a more nuanced understanding of contemporary issues facing the nation and the world. Working together in a climate of respect and openness models the civil discourse that is fundamental to the work of the Academy.

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