Each fellow will be matched with a Massachusetts legislative office, committee, commission, or similar legislative setting based on the interests and needs of both the fellow and the host office.

Fellows become part of their host office for the fellowship year and contribute to the office’s work on scientific, technical, and other policy issues. Specific responsibilities will vary based on the placement and the issues before the legislature.

Examples of fellow activities may include:

• Researching science and technology-related policy areas relevant to the committee or legislator’s interests
• Drafting reports, memos, and testimony for legislative hearings
• Engaging with constituents, advocates, and community groups 
• Attending formal legislative activities such as hearings or House and Senate Sessions
• Contributing to other responsibilities of the host office 

Fellows will also participate in MASTPF training, professional development, and cohort activities designed to help them navigate the legislature, communicate effectively across audiences, engage responsibly with evidence, and serve in a nonpartisan public-service role.

MASTPF is designed for scientists and technical experts who want to put their training in service to society. Prior experience in government, public policy, or politics is not required. The fellowship is a training opportunity, and we do not expect applicants to arrive knowing how the legislature works.

Applicants must:

• Hold a Ph.D. in a STEM field. All degree requirements and other academic responsibilities must be completed by December 1, 2026.
• Be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship.
• Be able to communicate scientific or technical information clearly to people without specialized expertise.
• Be able and willing to work constructively with people who bring different professional backgrounds, experiences, values, and perspectives to policy questions.
• Demonstrate an interest in public service and in using scientific or technical expertise to support evidence-informed policymaking.
• Be able to work full time in a Massachusetts legislative placement for the one-year fellowship term.

We value experience gained in many settings, including research, teaching, clinical practice, industry, community organizations, volunteer work, advocacy, and other professional or lived experiences. There is no single background or career path that prepares someone to be a successful fellow.

Applicants interested in the Climate & Energy Policy Track do not need prior experience working in climate or energy policy. We welcome applicants with relevant scientific or technical expertise as well as those whose skills and interests could contribute to policy related to climate resilience, mobility, clean energy, or related issues.

If you meet the fellowship’s eligibility requirements and believe your experiences have prepared you to contribute, we encourage you to apply even if your background does not resemble a traditional science-policy career.

Fellows will participate in a mutual matching process with prospective legislative host offices. Final placements will consider fellows’ interests and expertise, the needs of participating offices, and fit between fellows and hosts.

MASTPF will also include a dedicated Climate & Energy Policy Track. The fellow selected for this track will be matched with a legislative host whose work includes one or more of the following areas:

• Climate resilience: strengthening Massachusetts’ resilience to climate impacts by enhancing the adaptive capacity of residents, communities, governance systems, and infrastructure
• Mobility: expanding low-carbon transportation options and supporting communities so people can easily and affordably reach their daily needs
• Clean energy: transforming how the Northeast conserves, generates, and uses energy to accelerate the transition to clean, renewable resources

Once placed, fellows will work primarily from their host office at the Massachusetts State House. Day-to-day schedules and working arrangements will reflect the needs and practices of the individual host office.

Fellows may work with legislators and staff representing different political perspectives and are expected to approach their service with professionalism, intellectual openness, and respect for the role of elected officials and the communities they represent.

Fellows will receive a $75,000 stipend for the one-year fellowship, as well as health coverage.

Science and public policy are stronger when people with different backgrounds, experiences, disciplines, and perspectives are able to contribute.

SCi is committed to an equitable and accessible recruitment and selection process. We encourage applications from people whose identities and experiences have historically been underrepresented or excluded from science, technology, government, and public policy.

Application deadlines:

• Priority deadline: September 25, 2026
• General deadline: October 9, 2026

Interview period (virtual): October 26–November 1, 2026

Placement interviews with legislative offices (virtual): November 23–December 4, 2026

Fellowship start date: January 4, 2027, in person

Additional information about the application process, timeline, and accommodations will be available at [WEBSITE / APPLICATION LINK].