Keen for a science policy bootcamp?

Applications for the 2021-22 cohort of the Australian Science Policy Fellowship Program are now open.

Early- and mid-career scientists with a STEM-based PhD who are interested in pursuing a career in the Australian Public Service (APS) can apply.

Successful candidates are those who are adaptable, able to generate new ideas, and solve problems; have strong conceptual, analytical and research skills, clear oral and written communication skills, and strong team work skills.

The 2021-22 cohort will be the first cohort of the permanent program, following a successful three‑year pilot. The program has placed 31 Science Policy Fellows across 10 Commonwealth Government departments since its launch in July 2018.

“I’m inspired by the talent and passion of our Fellows and excited to see how their contributions elevate and embrace the role of science in policy,” says Dr Foley, Australia’s Chief Scientist.

In the current cohort, Fellows are working in diverse policy fields, such as the Modern Manufacturing Strategy in the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources; policies and programs related to Native Title in the Attorney General’s Department; and research policy in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

“I consider the Science Policy Fellowship Program a ‘boot camp’ for a potential career pivot into the public service,” says Janna Fabris, a 2020-21 Australian Science Policy Fellow. “This program let me build on my professional engineering and interdisciplinary research experiences, and show how I can synthesise and communicate complex issues. I have also used my skills in establishing meaningful collaborative relationships with stakeholders from government, academia and industry.”

Fellows are embedded in teams where they work on developing or implementing policy and learn about the business of government. The Fellows help shape policy decisions by evaluating scientific issues, interpreting data, and providing an informative scientific perspective to policy discussions.

Fellows are employed as APS 6 policy officers by participating Commonwealth Government host departments for 12 months. Conditions of employment and remuneration are in accordance with the relevant host department’s enterprise agreement. Up to 20 fellowships are offered each year.

Applications close 11pm AEST Monday 26 April 2021.

Get in touch at OCS-projects@chiefscientist.gov.au for support with your application and visit our website for all the details on how to apply: www.chiefscientist.gov.au/australian-science-policy-fellowship-program