The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is seeking PhD scientists and engineers for a year of public service and government leadership training. CCST is now accepting applications for the 2021 Class of our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship.

The CCST Science Fellows program is open to those holding or will receive a PhD or equivalent degree in science and engineering, and in social science fields such as economics by September 2020. Eligibility information, program timeline, and the application link can be found at ccst.us/ccst-science-fellows-program.

Each year the CCST Science Fellows program recruits a corps of fifteen PhD scientists and engineers. CCST Science Fellows spend one year in Sacramento directly serving decision makers within the California State Legislature and Executive Branch. Working as staff in the State Assembly, State Senate, or state agency, CCST Science Fellows work alongside decision makers to evaluate complex scientific issues, interpret data, while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers. They get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of decision making in the State of California — a dynamic arena that often sets policy trends for the United States and the world.

Our fellowship is an incredible opportunity to transform a researcher’s professional path. In fact, more than 50 percent of CCST Science Fellows have been hired by the California State Legislature or state agencies since completing their fellowship. Other alumni return to academia, nonprofits, or industry with a deeper understanding of how science informs policymaking, enhancing their career as researchers, professors, consultants, and leaders.

Read reflections from current fellows and alumni at our fellows blog (http://ccst.us/ccst-science-fellows-program/blog/). See how the CCST Science Fellows program has changed their professional path — and helped make California’s policies stronger with science!