Description
The Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship seeks highly qualified and accomplished scientists, engineers, and other professionals to serve the Colorado General Assembly for a one-year assignment, with the possibility of a second-year renewal.
As a Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellow, you are poised to advance evidence-based policymaking in Colorado. Fellows will spend the year working with the Colorado State Legislature, serving decision makers and gaining first-hand experience learning about the policymaking process in Colorado. As a Fellow, you will evaluate complex scientific issues facing Colorado, while also tackling the responsibilities of a full-time staff member.
Fellows provide rigorous, nonpartisan science policy research for members of the Colorado General Assembly by working with relevant committees and other offices, as needed. Fellows may assist in scientific research as bills are written and considered and also inform legislators about the potential benefits and consequences of proposed statutes and regulations. Fellows may provide research resources year-round and also support evidence-based policymaking in the state by hosting informational briefings and workshops, providing testimony, engaging in policy discussions with stakeholders, and other constituents. Fellows will build out connections and relationships across government and the research community to ensure the work is relevant, high-quality, and tailored to the needs of the legislature.
As a Science & Technology Policy Fellow, you will have opportunities to:
- Inform legislation through written policy briefs, memos, meetings, and testimony.
- Work closely with legislators and other professionals in the decision-making institutions.
- Visit different parts of the state to learn about pertinent policy issues facing Coloradans and build multi-sectoral partnerships within and outside your area of expertise.
- Receive wide-ranging professional development in areas such as public policy, science policy, science communication, Colorado history and culture, bias and other relevant trainings.
Policy Areas:
We are recruiting and seeking Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellows to work within the following policy areas:
- Natural Resources, Water, Agriculture, Wildfire, and Economic Development
- Public Health, Mental Health, and Human Services
- Energy, Climate, and Transportation
- AI & Technology
Required Qualifications:
The Fellowship is open to those with a terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in a natural science, social science, health, engineering, technology, or related disciplines (e.g., engineering; social or behavioral sciences; medical or health sciences; biological, physical, or geosciences; or computational sciences or mathematics). Those with a master’s degree (MS, ME, or equivalent) along with two to three years of work experience will be considered.
Candidates must have completed their degree work prior to the start of the fellowship term. The committee seeks to recruit a diverse applicant pool for the fellowship. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
We are looking for fellows who have the following traits to be successful in their role:
- The ability to remain nonpartisan
- A connection to or interest in Colorado and the state’s current events
- A commitment to public service and the state policy making processes
- A capacity to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- The ability to deal with technical information outside one's own specialty
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate complex and technical topics with both experts and non-experts
- An appreciation for political sensitivities, and the ability to work effectively with people with a diverse range of experiences and values in a nonpartisan environment
- Self-motivation and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Residency:
All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, and those from Colorado or with a connection or interest in Colorado are strongly encouraged to apply. Residency within a commutable distance to the Colorado State Capitol and host offices in Denver is required throughout the fellowship. Relocation costs are available to those needing to relocate to the Denver Metro Area.
Applicants are required to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible to work in the United States or have an applicable US work visa.
Term Length:
Fellows will commit to a one-year fellowship term and may be able to renew their fellowship for an additional one-year term, dependent on performance and available funding.
Job Class: Full Time
Hiring Range: $65,000
Work Schedule: M-F
Direct Reports: 0
Additional Information:
- Fellows will also receive $4,000 for additional professional development opportunities, to be used for registration and travel to Colorado districts, conferences, and other opportunities.
- Fellows will also receive benefits.
Application Instructions:
- A CV or resume.
- A two-page Cover Letter outlining why you are applying to the Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, what you hope to bring to the program, and what you hope to take away. Your cover letter may not exceed two pages in length.
- No more than two letters of recommendation. These must be sent to institute@dmns.org by May 31, 2025. Please include the subject “Colorado STPF Letter of Recommendation [applicant last name].
- Answers to three short answer prompts (no more than 350 words).
Please submit your resume and application materials by 6:00 p.m. MT on May 31, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum's website.
DMNS Core Values
- We love science.
- We are curious, creative, and playful.
- We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.
- We think critically and act with empathy.
Perks of Working at DMNS
Click HERE (https://www.dmns.org/about/careers/benefits//) to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.
Dayforce Wallet: Get your pay as soon as you earn it, at no cost to you. Request up to 50% of your net earnings without waiting for the standard pay day, through the Dayforce Wallet mobile app.Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.