Career Resources
On-Campus Organizations and Programs
- ENGAGE
- Engage UW
- Forum on Science Ethics & Policy (FOSEP)
- Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS)
- GPSS Science and Policy Steering Committee
- GPSS Federal Legislative Advisory Board
- GPSS State Legislative Advisory Board
- Huskies on the Hill Lobby Day
- Public Comment Project
- Science at the Market
- UW Impact
Washington State Organizations, Internships, and Programs
- Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy
- CleanTech Alliance: CleanTech Day in Olympia
- Pacific Science Center Science Communication Fellowship
- Washington State Academy of Sciences
- Washington State Department of Commerce Internships
- Washington State Legislative Internship Program
Out-of-State Organizations and Programs
Out-of-State Internships
Out-of-State Fellowships
- AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program
- ASPET Washington Fellows Program
- FDA Commissioner’s Fellowship Program
- Google Public Policy Fellowship
- Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program
- Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program
- New America Millennial Public Policy Fellowship
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows
Post-Graduate Fellowships (requires Masters)
Post-Doctoral Fellowships (requires Ph.D.)
- AAAS Science & Technology Fellowships
- ASGH Genetics and Education Fellowship
- California Council on Science and Technology Policy Fellows
- Hellman Fellowship in Science & Technology Policy
- Social Science Research Council – Abe Fellowship
Science Policy
Many students are interested in science policy as an aspect of their training and as a possible career. The CEI Policy Analysis Program offers students an opportunity to study science policy alongside the CEI Policy Analyst-in-Residence (PAIR).
Example Careers in Science Policy
- Congressional or federal science advisor – stay up-to-date on science and technology; provide advice on scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of economy, security, health, foreign relations, environment, etc.; assists in management and budget review; serves as source of scientific judgement and technological analysis and judgment with respect to policies, plans, and programs
- Consultant – create frameworks and guidelines for regulation; assess changes and concerns in current technologies; develop, test, and deploy useful technologies
- Diversity advisor – ensure that federal policies are protective of underrepresented minorities, people with low income, communities of color, etc.; help organize and mobilize citizens to campaign for policies; research and prepare presentations for legislative hearings
- Education & Outreach Manager – coordinate and assist with creating public education and marketing plans and materials; write engaging and informative text for press or instructional purposes; organize outreach efforts at events, shows, etc.; communicate effectively to diverse audiences
- Higher education policy analyst – study how public, private, and for-profit universities are affected by government regulations; prepare briefs on relevant policy proposals; does background research on collaborations for university partnerships; research and prepare presentations for legislative hearings
- Judicial analyst or research associate – provide education and training for judges and employees of the federal court; coordinate educational programs for federal public defenders; research aspects of case management, alternative dispute resolutions, proposed amendments to rules, etc.
- Judicial defense scientist – understand and explain science behind regulations; advocate for regulations that are consistent with science, health policy, and environmental law; provides testimony and scientific briefings for members of congress, federal advisory committees, etc.
- Lobbyist – advocate for budgets, laws, or regulations; develop campaigns, advocate, fundraise, and advertise agendas aimed at specific issues; research the development and operation of political system, political ideas, trends, etc.; speak on behalf of special interest groups or industries to influence voting and implementation of laws.
- Policy analyst or advisor – monitor and report the activities of federal agencies, congress, etc., represent organization at meetings and conferences, writing papers and briefs; communicate scientific findings to the public
- Science communication and engagement – present science-related topics to non-experts, including the public and policy makers; communicate policy to scientists; create science exhibitions, articles, media production, etc.; address scientific misinformation