APS Public Policy Fellowship

Consider a Unique Opportunity to Impact Policy in DC as an APS Public Policy Fellow 

Deadline: Applications are due JULY 15, 2013.

The APS Public Policy Fellow provides expertise in support of policy activities related to plant and microbial biology, agricultural and life sciences, food safety, and related technology. The APS Public Policy Fellowship is a temporary position beginning in Fall 2013 for at least 6 months, but not longer than 12 months, depending on the selected individual and needs of the Agency where the fellow is placed.

Duties
It is anticipated the incumbent would engage in a wide range of issues of relevance to science and technology often cut across the programmatic and disciplinary lines of energy, climate change, security, environment, agricultural/life/physical sciences, and technology. The Fellow will have responsibility for engaging the Federal sector and the greater scientific community on identified cross cutting issues to identify and follow up on areas of need for coordination, cohesiveness, and targeted action. In addition to serving as the APS Public Policy Fellow, the incumbent will participate in the monthly Public Policy Board teleconferences, the PPB spring meeting in Washington, D.C., the business meeting at the APS annual meeting, and public policy sessions at APS conferences or workshops. Upon completion of the fellowship, the Fellow will write an article for Phytopathology News outlining activities and the value of the Fellowship as well as provide some orientation to other Fellows.

Selection Criteria
Applicants should:

• Have a passion for plant pathology and an interest in making a difference in policies affecting agricultural science
• Have a Ph.D. or other advanced degree in plant pathology
• Demonstrate an interest in public policy and governmental relations
• Confirm ability to serve (i.e., have, or be willing and able to obtain, appropriate clearances, permissions from current employers, blessings of family members, etc.)
• Have at least 5 years of experience in industry, teaching, government, or independent research
• Available to spend at least 6 months engaged in Washington DC
• Confirm ability to complete the Fellowship on the APS funding available
• Confirm willingness and ability to conduct the work activities assigned, and be flexible with unfolding situations and issues
• Be an APS member at the time of application
• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of selection

1. A complete CV
2. A statement of: 1) interest in the position; 2) period of availability; and 3) indication of financial requirements needed to complete the period of availability
3. Confirmation of approval of current employer

Applications should be submitted as ONE portable document file (PDF file) saved as LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL (example: SmithT_fellowship.pdf), and include all of the items described above.

• Meeting criteria shown above
• Ability to grasp quickly the essence of technological and economical issues through assessment and integration of diverse, knowledgeable opinions
• Ability to serve in a fast-paced, high-pressure, public environment
• Ability to reflect the high professional and scientific standards of  APS
• Past service to APS, especially public policy activities

An APS Fellow Selection Committee (AFSC) will review the applications and, by August 1, 2013, will select one applicant that subsequently will be screened by the Federal Agency hosting the Fellow. For appointment, the incumbent will likely be required to undergo a significant professional, personal, and financial background check. The APS President and/or the PPB Chair will contact all applicants on the outcome of the process. 

Financial Support
APS will provide a small stipend ($6,000) to help off-set cost of expenses associated with the position; specifics to be based on the circumstances of the individual selected.

Questions
Contact Jan Leach (jan.leach@colostate.edu), Kellye Eversole (eversole@eversoleassociates.com) or Michelle Bjerkness (mbjerkness@scisoc.org) with additional questions.

Previous Fellows

November 2008 - May 2009        John Sherwood

April 2010 - April 2011               Mary Palm

August 2011 - August 2013       Angela Records