Description
2026-27 MRS/Optica Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship
Applications will be accepted September 15 – January 2, 2026 for the MRS and Optica (formerly OSA) Congressional Fellowship Program.
Program
The 2026-27 MRS/Optica Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow spends one year working as a special legislative assistant on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee. Activities may involve conducting legislative or oversight work, assisting in congressional hearings and debates and preparing briefs and writing speeches. The Fellow also attends an orientation program administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on congressional and executive branch operations, which includes guidance in the congressional placement process, and a year-long seminar series on science and public policy issues. The AAAS also administers many other aspects of the program for the MRS/Optica Fellow, as well as other Fellows sponsored by nearly two dozen other scientific societies.
During your one year as a Fellow you will:
be fully immersed in congressional policy making through placement in a specific congressional office
contribute widely to the effective use of materials science knowledge in government
broaden awareness about the value of scientist and engineer-government interaction among society
members and within government
network with other participants of science and technology fellowship programs
Requirements
Criteria
A record of success in research or scholarship in a field relevant to optical science and technology and/or materials, familiarity with the discipline and a working understanding of the scientific communities. Scientific/technical background and professional accomplishments are weighted in consideration to the applicant’s career stage.
Demonstrated sensitivity toward policy issues and a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to United States public policy issues.
Work quickly and communicate effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences on a wide variety of topics and work cooperatively with individuals having diverse viewpoints.
Applicants are expected to be a member of Optica or MRS and have a PhD degree by the Fellowship's start date, September 1st.
US citizenship is not required; however, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Specifically excluded as selection criteria are age, sex, creed, race, ethnic background and partisan political affiliation.
The Fellow will have a one-year appointment, September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. The Fellowship stipend will be USD 81,750, plus additional funds for health insurance, and travel and relocation expenses to the Washington, DC area.
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2026-27 MRS/Optica Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship
