Program and Purpose

Congressional Science Fellows work as special legislative assistants within the congressional staff system. Fellows select positions to work on varied legislative, oversight, and investigative activities. GSA is one of more than 20 science and engineering societies that sponsors a Congressional Fellow each year. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) provides a two-week orientation program and coordinates seminars throughout the year for all Fellows.

The purpose of the program is threefold:

• contribute to more effective use of scientific and technical knowledge in government;
  
• provide a unique public policy learning experience and educate the earth science community about the public policy process;
  
• broaden the perspective of the earth science and governmental communities regarding closer interactions between scientists and policy makers.

The 2008–2009 GSA Fellow will receive a stipend of $56,000 plus limited allowances for health insurance, relocation, and travel in connection with the fellowship. The period of the Fellowship is from September 2008 through August 2009. The fellow may have the option to extend the period of service through December 2008. The fellowship is funded by GSA and by a grant from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Employees of the USGS are ineligible for this fellowship, but interested USGS applicants may contact AAAS or GSA for information about other programs. The fellowship is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

  Selection Criteria

The program is aimed at early to mid-career earth scientists who:

• show exceptional competence in some area of the earth sciences;
• have a broad professional background;
• are cognizant of many matters outside their area of specialization;
• have a strong interest in applying scientific knowledge toward the solution of societal problems;
• are articulate, flexible, able to work well with people from diverse professional backgrounds;
• are interested in working on a range of public policy problems;
• function well during periods of intense pressure;

Prospective candidates should be GSA members with a broad geoscience background and excellent written and oral communication skills. Minimum requirements are a Master's degree with at least five years professional experience or a Ph.D. at the time of appointment.

  Application Information

The Geological Society of America will select one Congressional Science Fellow for 2008–2009. Applications are accepted from candidates in any area of the earth sciences. The selection process will be completed in late March / early April 2008. The appointment will begin the first week of September 2008. Complete applications for the Congressional Science Fellowship must include four elements, as described below:

1. Letter of application. A letter of application should include addresses and telephone numbers of three references (reference letters to be mailed electronically to gwilliams@geosociety.org), the candidate's availability for a possible interview in late March / early April, and how the applicant first learned of the GSA Congressional Science Fellowship Program.
2. Three letters of reference. Letters of reference should be from persons who can discuss not only the candidate's professional competence, but also other aspects or interests that would make the applicant particularly qualified to serve as a Congressional Science Fellow. Each letter should address:
   • The writer's relationship to the candidate;
   • The technical accomplishments and relative standing of the candidate among his/her peers;
   • The candidate's interest and experience in applying his/her expertise to the solution of societal problems;
   • The candidate's ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, and to interact productively with individuals and groups;
   • The candidate's maturity and depth of judgment;
   • The candidate's professional future.
   The candidate is responsible for soliciting the required letters and for providing to those letter writers the six guidelines listed above. Letters of reference are to be mailed directly to GSA and must be received before the application deadline.
3. Statement from the candidate about his/her qualifications and career goals. The candidate's statement should not exceed 1000 words and should cover at least the following five areas:
• Why the fellowship is desired;
• How the candidate is qualified;
• What issues and congressional situations interest the candidate;
• What role the candidate envisions as a Congressional Science Fellow;
• What outcome the candidate hopes for relative to career goals.
4. Complete curriculum vitae. The candidate's curriculum vitae should provide complete professional data, including publications.

Applications and letters of reference should be submitted electronically to gwilliams@geosociety.org.

Questions regarding the fellowship should be directed to:

 

John W. Hess

Executive Director

Geological Society of America

P.O. Box 9140

Boulder, CO 80301

(303) 357-1039

The application deadline for the 2008–2009 GSA Congressional Science Fellowship is 1 February 2008.

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