APS Public Policy Early Career Internship

Are you interested in influencing science policy? Would you like insight into how plant pathologists can impact public policy?

Apply for the APS Public Policy
Early Career Internship

Deadline: Applications will open again in May 2018.

The APS Public Policy Board (PPB) is committed to developing future leaders in public policy and is seeking applicants for its successful public policy internship program. PPB Interns participate in a variety of activities which provide an incredible learning environment for understanding how public policy impacts plant pathology. Additionally, the internship provides an opportunity to improve communication and leadership skills by representing and advocating for the interests of all APS early career members. If you have an interest in public policy, consider submitting your application.

The PPB early career intern will participate in PPB activities during 2017–2019. The internship is open to APS early career members (current graduate students or post-doctoral associates and junior professionals) and will provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy at the national level that relates generally to agricultural science and specifically to matters of interest to APS.

By working with PPB, the intern will learn how scientific societies, non-governmental organizations, executive branch agencies (e.g., USDA, NSF, EPA, etc.), and the legislative branch interact in crafting public policy. The internship also provides opportunities to build connections and collaborations with renowned scientists and administrators from academia, industry and government. In the first year of the internship, the intern will be expected to participate in monthly PPB calls and in the preparation of newsletter items and policy white papers. The intern should be able to attend the 2019 spring governmental outreach meeting of PPB in Washington, DC (usually mid-March; travel expenses covered by PPB). At the end of the internship, the intern will prepare a written and/or oral report on the experience for delivery to PPB and APS membership. Other activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: attending PPB policy agenda-setting meetings and conference calls and organized workshops, where relevant, and assisting PPB with development, tracking, and analysis of relevant policy issues and with planning Capitol Hill and agency briefings, update and present the PPB Booth at the APS Annual Meeting, and more!

Application Process

Applications should be submitted as one portable document file (PDF file) saved as last name, first initial (example: SmithT_internship.pdf), and include all of the items described below. All application materials must be received by May 15, 2017, and should be sent to Gwyn Beattie, Public Policy Board Chair, (gbeattie@iastate.edu).

Application submissions should include:

Cover letter. One page describing the applicant’s interest in science policy issues and detailing how this internship would enhance his/her professional goals. Applicant should include the names of two individuals, other than the thesis advisor, from whom recommendations may be requested. These individuals should be able to address the candidate’s leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Resume. Two pages emphasizing leadership and communication experiences, including graduate, undergraduate, or nonacademic activities. It should include education, work experience, honors and awards, memberships, presentations, and publications.
Statement on the importance of federal support for plant-pathological research (500 words maximum). The statement should draw on the applicant’s own experience and/or research area and should illustrate how the applicant would try to convince his/her own congressional delegation that federal support for research, particularly in plant pathology, is important.
Letter of support/recommendation. A letter from the applicant’s advisor or supervisor.
APS membership. Applicants are not required to be APS members at the time of application but, if selected, must join the society prior to starting the internship.