Overview

The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) is a congressionally chartered, Federally Funded Research and Development Center operated by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA).

STPI provides independent analytical support to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal departments and agencies on science and technology (S&T) policy issues. The STPI Science Policy Fellowship Program provides recent bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients a unique opportunity to use their critical thinking and analytic skills to work on a diverse set of challenges in S&T policy areas, including space sciences, innovation and competitiveness, energy, health and life sciences, national security, biotechnology, information technologies, and STEM education.
 

Responsibilities

Fellows will work with teams of researchers to support a wide variety of S&T policy-related tasks. Duties may include conducting survey-based and interview-based research, database development, use of data visualization tools, use of statistical techniques, and other qualitative and quantitative methods to perform project-driven policy analysis. Over the course of the two-year program, experiences will include:

• Participation in analyses that support tasking from Federal Government policymakers
• Interaction with OSTP and other Federal science agency personnel
• Involvement in workshops and discussions on relevant topics
• Mentorship from members of the STPI research staff
• Training on specific analytical methods and tools
• Attendance and presentation at select professional society meetings
   

Qualifications

• This is a full-time position and is only open to recent recipients of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Candidates with degrees higher than a master’s degree will not be considered.
• Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree conferred between May 2024 and July 2026. Candidates with MA/MS degrees should apply if their bachelor’s degrees were conferred between May 2023 and July 2025.
• Candidates with degrees in engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, computer science, mathematical sciences, statistics, and learning sciences are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates should possess a strong interest in science and technology policy, although previous policy experience is not required.
• Candidates must demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ideal candidates are able to contribute to and support team efforts.

Application Materials

To be considered for this fellowship opportunity, interested candidates must follow a two-step process:

1. Apply using the link on IDA's careers page.
2. Submit via email to STPI-Fellow@ida.org the following documents: 
   • Personal Statement—explain in 500 words or fewer why you want to work in the area of science and technology policy and how your background/experience will contribute to STPI’s work
   • Writing Sample—2,500-word maximum. Applicants must be the sole author to be eligible for consideration.
   • Transcripts—unofficial transcripts are acceptable for consideration
   • Finalists will be asked to solicit two Letters of Academic Recommendation—letters must be signed by the individual rendering the reference and delivered as PDF files. Letters must also be sent directly to STPI-Fellow@ida.org by the recommender.

Ensure the application and supporting materials are submitted no later than January 6, 2026.

Why Work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA’s non-profit status.
• Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40- hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping. Employer contributes $300/month (the IRS maximum) to commuter benefits.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program.  The stipend for this fellowship is based on data-driven market analysis.  Fellows receive an annual stipend as follows: