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Take the next step in your career at the intersection of science and policy. Apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Science & Technology Policy Fellowship.

Fellowship Details

Fellows serve a one-year term, beginning each fall, and work alongside policy makers to evaluate complex scientific and technical issues and interpret data. Fellows do not lobby for a particular legislative outcome, but provide non-partisan, objective information to enable policymakers to make evidence-based decisions.

We welcome applicants from Pennsylvania and across the nation to join our growing community of science policy leaders. Fellows serve full-time in their host offices at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, gaining firsthand experience at the intersection of science and public policy.

Eligibility

Fellows must hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in natural sciences (e.g., biology, physics, earth), social sciences (e.g., economics, education, sociology), engineering, technology, or a related discipline. Degrees must be conferred by the start of the fellowship year.

Application Timeline

• Application opens: June 2026
• Application closes: July 2026
• Virtual interviews for selected applicants: June - July 2026
• Applicants notified: July 2026
• Fellowship begins: September 2026

Prepare & Apply

Fellows are placed in a range of host offices across Legislative Service Agencies and Legislative Committee Offices, each offering a unique policy focus and experience. To ensure the best possible match, each host office tailors its fellow posting to reflect its specific priorities and expertise needs.

We encourage prospective applicants to carefully review the host office descriptions, once available, and apply to the position that best aligns with their background, skills, and interests. While applicants may apply to more than one office, the strongest candidates typically demonstrate a clear alignment with a particular host office’s policy focus and desired expertise.

Please prepare the following application materials:

• Resume/CV (2 pages max)
• Cover letter (1 page max)
• Contact information for three (3) references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply early for full consideration. Only completed applications will be considered.

Open Applications

Applications are now open for one of our four fellowship positions. The remaining fellowship opportunities will open gradually over the coming weeks. If you are interested in positions with the Joint State Government Commission, the Local Government Commission, or the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, please check back for updates.

Regardless of when applications open, all selected fellows will begin the fellowship together as one incoming cohort.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on host office needs and the following core criteria:

• interest in state-level policy practices and procedures, particularly in Pennsylvania
• commitment to providing nonpartisan, objective information to lawmakers
• professionalism, maturity, and emotional intelligence
• initiative and ability to work independently under tight timelines
• excellence in written and oral communication, including translating complex technical information for non-technical audiences
• commitment to improving the well-being of all Pennsylvanians, especially those in disadvantaged communities