Fellowship Overview  

The Scientific Citizenship Initiative at Harvard Medical School (SCI) is seeking four (4) fellows for the Science and Technology  Fellowship in Summer 2021. Selected students will join the Massachusetts State House in the office of a legislator or committee focused  on policies that require input from a diverse set of scientific fields. This fellowship is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated  students to gain professional experience and have a long-term impact by informing state-level policy. 

On a day-to-day basis, fellows will report to a senior staff member within the host office, such as the Chief of Staff, Policy Director,  or Legislator. Fellows will also meet every other week with two SCI advisors: Daniel Pomeroy, the Executive Director of SCI and a  policy practitioner. These meetings will provide focused mentoring that is geared toward scientists and responsive to fellows’ career  goals. Through activities such as journal reflections, fellows and advisors will address structured questions and surface key aspects of  the experience. The Massachusetts State House also hosts seminars throughout the summer term, which fellows are invited to attend  but are optional. 

Fellows’ assignments will vary based on the needs of the host office, but will include tasks such as: 

• Researching science and technology-related policy areas relevant to the committee or legislator’s interests • Identifying the political dimensions of policies (e.g., who are its supporters and opponents?) 

• Drafting reports, memos, and testimony for legislative hearings 

• Interacting with constituents, advocates, and community groups 

• Attending formal legislative activities such as hearings or House and Senate Sessions 

Schedule and Compensation 

The fellowship will be half-time, for 20 hours a week through 10 weeks during the summer. Fellows will receive $25/hr for their  commitment. The expected dates of the fellowship are June 1 until Mid-August. Weekly schedules will be determined based on the  needs of the host office and the fellow. The program will be offered remotely and may switch to a hybrid or in-person model as  circumstances allow. 

Application Instructions 

Please submit an application, CV, and one-page statement of interest here. In the statement of interest, please discuss (1) what you  hope to learn and contribute through the fellowship, (2) what policy areas you hope to work on, and (3) how this relates to your future  career plans. Please submit application materials by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, February 19th, 2021. 

About the Scientific Citizenship Initiative 

The Scientific Citizenship Initiative at Harvard Medical School (SCI), led by Associate Professor of Systems Biology Angela DePace,  is a university-wide effort that aims to equip scientists with the full set of skills needed for effective public engagement within and  outside of academia. SCI is developing courses, fellowships, and other programs aiming to have a positive impact on the scientific  community and society at large. 

For more information, please feel free to contact: