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FASS Congressional Science Fellowship - Application

The fellow selected will spend one year working as a special legislative assistant on the staff of a member of Congress or of a congressional committee, advising on a wide range of scientific issues as they pertain to public policy. The program includes an orientation on congressional and executive branch operations and a year-long seminar program on issues involving science and public policy.

PURPOSE: To make practical contributions to the more effective use of scientific and technical knowledge in government, to demonstrate the value of science-government interaction, and to provide a unique learning experience for the recipient.

CRITERIA: A Ph.D. or MS degree in an area of animal sciences is required. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional competence in communication skills in animal science and have knowledge of animal sciences beyond his/her particular discipline; be cognizant of a broad range of issues relating to the animal industries; and possess sensitivity toward political and social issues. Evidence of an interest in and some experience in applying personal knowledge toward the solution of societal problems will be considered. The position will begin September 1, 2010.

AWARD: The annual fellowship stipend is $65,000 plus a limited allowance for relocation and travel expenses.

APPLICATIONS: Deadline for receipt of applications by the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) is January 15, 2010 or until the position is filled.

I. A LETTER OF INTENT

The letter must indicate a desire to apply and must provide addresses and telephone numbers of professional referees. The letter should indicate availability for an interview before April 1, 2010, and should provide an address and telephone number where the applicant may be reached.

II. THREE LETTERS OF REFERENCE

Candidates for the Congressional Science Fellowship must request letters of reference from three persons who can discuss the candidate's professional competence and other personal or professional qualities or interests that make the applicant especially qualified to serve as the FASS Fellow. The candidate is responsible for contacting the referees as well as providing them with the guidelines listed below. The letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline directly to FASS at the address listed below. Each letter should speak to the following points:

1. The referee's relationship to the candidate.
2. The technical accomplishments and relative standing of the candidate among his/her peers.
3. The candidate's ability to communicate both orally and in writing and to interact effectively with individuals and groups.
4. The candidate's maturity and judgement.
5. The candidate's probable professional future, including possible impacts the fellowship experience may have.
6. The candidate's interest and experience in applying his/her expertise to the solution of societal problems.

III. THE CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT

Each applicant must submit a statement about his/her qualifications for this Congressional Science Fellowship as well as his/her career goals. The statement should not exceed 1000 words in length and should cover the following points:

1. Why the Fellowship is desired?
2. How the candidate is qualified?
3. What issues interest the candidate?
4. What role the candidate envisions as a Fellow?
5. How the candidate believes the Fellowship relates to his/her career goals?

IV. A FULL CURRICULUM VITAE

The candidate's curriculum vitae should provide a complete list of personal and professional data and transcripts.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ALL MATERIALS January 15, 2010