Description

The Hellman and Simons Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy provides an early-career postdoctoral professional with training in science or engineering the opportunity to learn about a career in science policy and non-profit administration. While in residence, Hellman and Simons Fellows work with senior scientists, policy experts, and industry leaders on critical national and international policy issues related to interdisciplinary issues in science, engineering, and technology. The fellowship is a staff-based position within the Science Engineering and Technology program. Fellows contribute to ongoing projects while gaining exposure to science policy, nonprofit administration, and the Academy’s convening model.

The Hellman and Simons Fellowship is funded through a generous partnership between the Hellman Foundation of San Francisco, CA and the Simons Foundation of New York, NY.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address significant challenges. Academy projects bring together elected members and subject matter experts in cross-disciplinary efforts to produce independent and pragmatic studies that inform public policy and advance the public good. The Academy is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and looks to all its staff members to foster and promote its values. 

Requirements

Major Areas of Responsibility

Writing and Editorial Support

• Draft and edit materials for internal and external audiences, including event summaries, briefing remarks, white papers, policy briefs, meeting summaries, and online content.
• Gather, synthesize, and translate research findings and technical data for policy-relevant audiences.
• Support grant reporting and as needed, contribute to grant proposal development.

Committee and Stakeholder Support

• Help coordinate and support advisory committees and expert groups, including preparing agendas, background materials, and logistics for meetings and workshops.
• Draft meeting summaries and track follow-up actions and commitments.
• Support stakeholder engagement for the interinstitutional partnership, including coordinating communications and preparing materials for partner convenings.
   

Events and Communications

• Collaborate with the Program Associate for SET to prepare and distribute conference and event materials and provide on-site support.
• Draft summaries and other documentation for public programs, including lectures, workshops, and policy discussions.
• Support outreach and communications activities to expand the reach of SET program work.

Institutional Collaboration

• Collaborate with other Academy departments—including communications, events, publications, and development, to ensure successful completion of program activities.
• Assist with executive briefings, presidential remarks, and speechwriting as requested.
• Participate in member engagement initiatives and help strengthen the Academy's profile in academic and policy communities.
• With guidance from senior program staff, identify professional development opportunities relevant to science and technology policy.

Fellowship Eligibility: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an area of science or engineering and have some experience or a demonstrated interest in an area related to science and technology policy. Ph.D. dissertations must be successfully defended before the start of the position. At least one year of full-time professional experience outside of doctoral training, in a policy, nonprofit, government, or research organization setting.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without Academy sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ability to synthesize and summarize research findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and event management skills.
• Ability to display initiative and strong follow-through skills in managing tasks and responsibilities independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and effectively interface with a wide range of constituents, including
• Academy members, staff, and the public at large.
• Ability to learn quickly, prioritize tasks, and work accurately under pressure.
• Flexible and adaptable, with strong problem-solving skills in a dynamic and changing environment.

Terms: The initial appointment is for one year, beginning September 2026, with the possibility of renewal for a second year by mutual agreement.

Location and Work Environment: This is position is a hybrid role based within commuting distance of either our Cambridge, MA or Washington, D.C. office.

Application: To be considered for the role, candidates must submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), a resume, and a writing sample. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 30th.

A note on writing samples: Candidates are encouraged to submit samples that reflect the kind of writing this role requires—policy briefs, event summaries, briefing memos, or similar—rather than academic writing alone. If your strongest sample is academic, please include a note describing other writing you have done for non-specialist audiences.