The APS depends on the expertise of its workforce to inform advice to Government and to develop robust public policies. Scientific evidence is paramount in addressing many public policy questions. Multiple reviews of how to better connect science into policy have highlighted the need for people in the public service who can understand both the science and research and the policy environments.

Along with increasing diversity, improving the availability of science-related skills within Government is one of the main priorities highlighted in the Independent Review of the Public Service.

In 2018, the Australian Science Policy Fellowship program was developed to achieve the following primary objectives:

1. to strengthen the science-policy interface by increasing the number of scientifically-informed policy officers and policy-literate academics; and
2. to expand the diversity of expertise held by the APS workforce by providing a pathway for early to mid-career scientists to become skilled policy officers.

The program is inspired by similar successful programs internationally, including in the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and several countries in the Asian region. The program has been endorsed by the National Science and Technology Council and the APS Secretaries Board.

"Bridging research and evidence-based policy development is very important. Through policy development, I can be involved in creating a positive impact for people in ways not possible from the laboratory. Policy workers need to have a wide range of skills and it is exciting to combine my experiences from working in community pharmacy to the laboratory."

- Dr Heidi Walkden, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

The Fellowship provides the opportunity for scientists to work for up to 12 months as policy officers in participating Commonwealth Government host departments. Fellows receive on-the-job training in and exposure to government process and policymaking.

"The program has opened my eyes to the range of possible career paths available to chemists and researchers, not just in the public service, but also in the industries of our stakeholders. There is a tangible sense of impact in the work and I am enjoying the challenge of a new environment."

- Jyah Strachan, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

Some Fellows undertake two six-month rotations during their Fellowship; others remain with the same team throughout the Fellowship.

Fellows are employed at the APS 6 level and remuneration is specified under the enterprise agreement of the host department.  Employment conditions, entitlements and conditions of engagement will be in accordance with the employing agency’s policies. Find out more about the Australian Public Service hierarchy here.

"I have really enjoyed the diversity of areas I have been working across. I have also thoroughly enjoyed working with a team – I am working with really passionate and dedicated people, and they have taught me so much already."

- Louisa Esdaile, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

Fellows are provided with ongoing support from the Office of the Chief Scientist, their host departments, and their mentors.

In previous years, this has included networking events; a visit to the National Science and Technology Centre at Questacon to learn about policy and outreach activities, policy training and meetings with senior executives and Australia’s Chief Scientist.

Fellows are scientists who are interested in experiencing an APS policy role; either with a view to transitioning to a career in the APS or with a view to returning to academia with experience in policymaking and other government processes.

Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds – from medical and health sciences; biological, physical or earth sciences; behavioural sciences; computational sciences and mathematics; and engineering disciplines.

"My research focused on the quantum mechanics of nuclear collisions, aimed at understanding nuclear fusion and processes that occur on timescales of one thousandth of a billionth of a billionth of a second. The transferable skills acquired through a career in research are directly applicable to policy development, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely has proven very valuable. For my particular role, my understanding of National Research Infrastructure and the wider research sector in Australia and has been very beneficial."

- Ed Simpson, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

Fellows can come from academia, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. The program is targeted at early-to-mid career research scientists and engineers who are no more than 15 years post-PhD.

"This program has offered an unrivalled opportunity for me to apply my transferable skills in the complex space of policy analysis and development. I leverage my communication, problem solving and analytical skills on a daily basis to achieve results within a dynamic environment."

- Tahsha Say, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

Up to 20 Fellowships may be offered each year, based on a competitive selection process.

Read about Fellows' backgrounds and work in the "Meet our Fellows" section below.

There may be opportunities to be based in locations across Australia. As part of your application, you will have the opportunity to nominate whether or not you would be willing to relocate to Canberra for your placement.

The Fellowships are a full time commitment for up to 12 months to ensure Fellows are fully immersed in policy development.

“I find Canberra a really lovely place to live… there’s so many people out and about doing things, even in winter! I really, really enjoy the community of Canberra a lot.”

- James Howard, Former Science Policy Fellow

Placements



Candidates can express a preference for a host department, and the Office of the Chief Scientist will consider these preferences in the placement matching process. The host department will have final say and will offer positions to suitable candidates.

 

Fellows join the program to gain experience in policy development and are embedded in policy areas where they will have opportunities to develop or implement policy and be exposed to the business of government processes.

"Working in the APS gives you ‘a peek behind the curtain’ at how Australia operates. Working within the system that helps lay the foundations of Australian society provides direct opportunities to make valuable contributions to how the country functions. Compared to academia, the impact of the work I do with the department is immediate. The issues I am helping to manage on a daily basis are in the news and effecting people’s lives. There are interesting problems to be solved, strategies to develop and resources at our disposal. I think that working in the APS can be what you make it."

- Duncan Fitzpatrick, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

Our ideal candidate will have significant scientific expertise and a genuine interest to work for government and develop skills and experience in public policy.

Participation in the program means Fellows become well-placed to competitively apply for other policy and program roles in the APS.

"Undertaking this fellowship is my way of exploring where, outside of academia, my research training can be applied to make a difference. This role has definitely made me see that as scientists our capabilities can be applied in so many areas with the possibilities of making real impact."

- Reetu Singh, Former Australian Science Policy Fellow

To be eligible for the Science Policy Fellowship program you must:

• be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or over
• hold a PhD in one of the following disciplines:
  • medical and health sciences
  • biological, physical or earth sciences
  • behavioural sciences
  • computational sciences and mathematics
  • engineering disciplines (applicants with a Masters in engineering and three years of professional engineering experience also qualify)
• be no more than 15 years post PhD completion (adjusted for career breaks).

Applicants to the Fellowship program must have Australian Citizenship at the time of application.

Applicants must have met all the requirements for their PhD before applications close, including dissertation defence and any revisions (as applicable). Applicants may be accepted into the program prior to their degrees being conferred, but only if requirements were met before applications close and applicants provide a letter from their committee chair (or equivalent appropriate official) verifying that they have satisfied all requirements for the PhD or equivalent degree.

All participants will be required to obtain a minimum baseline security clearance, involving pre-employment and background checks. Some participating departments may require a higher level clearance. Applicants do not need to have a security clearance at the time of application.

APS employees that are employed in a research role in a Commonwealth research institution are eligible to apply. However, if you are an APS employee in a policy or program role, you are not eligible as you are already embedded in the policymaking process.

How do I prepare a competitive application?

Successful candidates are those who are adaptable, able to generate ideas, and solve problems; have strong conceptual, analytical and research skills; clear oral and written communication skills, and strong team work skills. It is not necessary to have previous public policy experience, but it is important that you convey an understanding of, and interest in, government and public policy.

To prepare a competitive application, ensure you have a good understanding of the Fellowship program, including the eligibility requirements, selection criteria and the application instructions.

Allow time to develop a comprehensive, well-presented, and polished candidate statement and other required documents (ensuring you adhere to the page and word limits indicated in the application form).

You will require letters of recommendation from TWO referees and will need to provide those details in your application form. Contact your referees early so they have time to prepare thoughtful letters of recommendation.

If you’re invited for an interview, come prepared to articulate your interests and background, and discuss how your experience and skill set relates to policy, and your interest in and understanding of the policy process. Interviews will be conducted virtually.

All required information must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications (including applications that do not include two recommendation letters) are ineligible and will not be considered.

If you are not successful, feel free to re-apply in subsequent years as there are no limits to the number of applications you can make.

“The application process is actually quite straightforward, because the bulk of it is online… Think of ways that research skills can contribute to decisions made in policy”.

- Erika Duan, Former Science Policy Fellow

To participate in the program, host departments will need to provide an outline of the opportunity available in their department, including an outline of the proposed work area and responsibilities. Host departments will also be required to ensure they have a suitable placement for the Fellow and adequate funding in place.

The OCS has developed a range of briefing material to support host departments and agencies.

If you are a host department and keen to host a Fellow, please contact employmentprograms@industry.gov.au for more information.

If you have any other questions, please contact employmentprogram@industry.gov.au.