Every year, California decision makers must make critical decisions on a number of complex and dynamic issues facing our state, such as the state’s water supply, energy grid, and public health. To help address this, the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program annually recruits and trains a cohort of fifteen PhD scientists and engineers to spend one year working in Sacramento, directly serving decision makers within the California State Legislature and Executive Branch.
During their year of public service, these scientific minds get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policymaking in the state of California. CCST S&T Policy Fellows work alongside decision makers to evaluate complex scientific issues and interpret data, while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers.
The CCST S&T Policy Fellows program is a win-win for California. These talented individuals gain valuable experience and training in public policy and leadership. In turn, state decision makers are given access to science-savvy staff who can inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Fellows program, candidates must possess the following minimum qualifications:
- A Ph.D. or equivalent level degree (Sc.D., M.D., DVM, DO, DDS, EdD, etc.) in a qualified field (engineering; social or behavioral sciences; medical or health sciences; biological, physical, or earth sciences; or computational sciences or mathematics). Degrees other than those noted here may also qualify on a case by case basis.
- Hold U.S. citizenship or have eligibility to work on a full-time basis for a US employer (e.g., permanent residents, refugees, asylees, holders of Employment Authorization Documents). CCST will not sponsor a Fellow for a work visa.
The following are not eligible to apply:
- Individuals who are not expected to have completed all doctoral program requirements by September 15, 2023.
- Individuals who have registered as lobbyists in the State of California or under the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act within 6 months of the application deadline.
Applications Due: March 31, 2023
;void(0);){kind=link}