West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Fellow

West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Fellows provide rigorous, nonpartisan science and technology policy research for members of the West Virginia State legislature, gaining first-hand experience of state-level science and technology policy.

The W*est Virginia Science & Technology Policy (WV STeP*) Fellowship provides opportunities for outstanding scientists, social scientists, and engineers to learn firsthand about policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges facing West Virginia. Through their support of evidence-based decision making in public policy areas involving science, engineering, and technology, WV STeP Fellows will develop an understanding of state legislators that they can use to enter a career in science and technology (S&T) policy.

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Fellowship Cycle! Fellows will commit to a one-year fellowship term and will be encouraged to renew their fellowship for an additional one-year term, dependent on performance and available funding. Selected Fellows will be expected to relocate to the Charleston, West Virginia area prior to the start of the fellowship on August 1, 2025.

In addition to a competitive salary, Fellows will receive health, vision, and dental benefits, 401k with 4.5% employer match, a technology allowance, and fully covered travel to the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Meeting.

Responsibilities

In response to requests from West Virginia state legislators, West Virginia STeP Fellows will draft science and technology (S&T) notes. These evidence-based notes provide an overview of the topic from a scientific and technical perspective, explaining the topic within the context of West Virginia’s societal needs.

Fellows writing these one-page notes will outline the current policies, opportunities, and challenges. They will also analyze the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability of policies from other states responding to the same challenge or opportunity so West Virginia legislators can incorporate this analysis into their decision making. Importantly, S&T notes do not make policy recommendations.

Provided below is a list of specific activities in which Fellows will engage:

• Synthesize scientific and technical research related to policy topics as identified by members of the West Virginia state legislature into science and technology notes.
• Monitor and report about science and technology policy activities in the West Virginia legislature to identify possible science and technology note topics for legislators.
• Identify reputable sources and figures that support and communicate the science and technology policy research topics.
• Communicate S&T Note findings to West Virginia state and federal policymakers.
• Prepare figures (where necessary) and PDFs using Adobe InDesign and Canva or similar programs
• Prepare materials (PowerPoints, handouts, etc.) for briefings to lawmakers and other outreach events.
• Monitor legislature requests for S&T Notes sent via email and website.
• Attendance at relevant networking events.
• Keep in contact following the fellowship to support future fellows and provide information on the impact of the fellowship on your career.

Qualifications

Applicants should be U.S. citizens that have completed a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a science, social science, or engineering program. If an applicant has completed all the requirements for their Ph.D. or other terminal degree, but has not yet officially graduated, they can apply for consideration with a letter from their advisor or committee certifying that they have completed the requirements and will be able to start the WV STeP Fellowship within 30 days of August 1, 2025.

Additional qualifications include:

• an interest in policy practices and procedures at the state-level, particularly in West Virginia;
• capacity to provide nonpartisan, objective information to lawmakers, withholding personal biases;
• professionalism and maturity;
• initiative and ability to work independently on a variety of tasks;
• excellence in written and oral communication, particularly in breaking down complex technical information for a general audience; and
• commitment to improving the well-being of West Virginians.

The full application can be found here: https://www.wvstep.org/application

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Charleston, WV 25305

Salary : $65,000