Managed by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the fellowships offer unique professional development opportunities while providing California policy makers with sound and unbiased scientific and technical advice regarding issues before the State Senate and Assembly. The program, adapted for California from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Science and Technology Fellowship program, is the first in the nation to place PhD-level scientists and engineers in a state legislature.

 

Recruited nationally, successful applicants will assist legislators in formulating and evaluating science and technology policy for California.  Areas of consultation could include legislation related to pressing issues and challenges, such as healthcare, bioethics, energy and water resource management. 

 

CCST will accept applications until March 31, 2011. Complete information on the fellowships and application material can be viewed at www.fellows.ccst.us.  CCST can be contacted via email at info@fellows.ccst.us.

 

Selected fellows will be required to relocate to the Sacramento area, attend a mandatory training period beginning on November 1, 2011, and to make a one-year commitment to fully participate in the Fellowship through October 31, 2012. The training boot camp will cover the Legislative process, the effective translation of science for policy makers, and tips for success in the Legislative environment.  CCST was established in 1988 in response to a unanimous vote of the California State Legislature to provide the Senate and Assembly with expert and unbiased scientific advice. 

 

Funding for the Fellowships is provided by: the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Stephen Bechtel Fund/S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation; Kingfisher Foundation; The Heising-Simons Foundation; TOSA Foundation, and the Gen-Probe Fund.