CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

New York State Science Policy Fellowship

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government, with support from the Simons Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, seeks applications for a third cohort of New York State Science Policy Fellows to bring additional science and technology expertise into New York State government.

Entering its third year, this initiative will select six science, technology, or engineering doctorate holders as fellows to work closely with senior policymakers in the offices of the governor, the legislature, and state agencies for a two-year period. The fellowship is located in Albany, New York, and will pay selected fellows $85,000 annually. Highly motivated candidates in eligible fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

The 2026-28 Science Policy Fellows will participate in an educational and professional development program crafted by the Rockefeller Institute during their first year, preparing them to engage directly with policymakers. This includes a week-long orientation and regular coursework featuring guest speakers from various state policy backgrounds and readings on the intersection of science and policy. In addition, during their second year, fellows will regularly meet with experienced mentors whose careers and expertise will help guide their potential future work in the public sector, as well as develop a capstone project proposing public policies (executive orders, legislation, regulatory proposals, or state programs) related to key science and technology policy issues.

Required Elements for Application

Candidates must include each of the following:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae.
• A graduate transcript.
• A cover letter describing the candidate’s policy and topical interests. Cover letters should include any existing experience candidates have in public policy, what motivates their interest in this program, as well as their understanding of the intersections of science and policy. Candidates should assume the application reviewers do not have a science background.
• Contact information for at least three professional or academic references.
• At a minimum, candidates must hold a doctorate (or be awarded a doctorate by August 1, 2026) in a field related to science, engineering, or technology.

Applications are open through Friday, January 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (ET). More information about the fellowship opportunity, including job description, eligible fields of study, and details on how to apply, can be found in the job posting. To learn more about prior SPF cohorts, view the NYS Science Policy Fellowship page. For additional questions, please contact Fellowship Program Manager Zan Strumfeld at [email protected].

The Institute will be hosting an informational webinar about the program on Thursday, December 4, at 1:00 p.m. (ET). Please sign up here.