West Virginia Science and Technology Policy (WV STeP) Fellowship

West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Fellows provide rigorous, nonpartisan science and technology policy research for members of the West Virginia State legislature, gaining first-hand experience of state-level science and technology policy.

The West Virginia Science & Technology Policy (WV STeP) Fellowship provides opportunities for outstanding scientists, social scientists, and engineers to learn firsthand about policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges facing West Virginia. Through their support of evidence-based decision making in public policy areas involving science, engineering, and technology, WV STeP Fellows will develop an understanding of state legislators that they can use to enter a career in science and technology (S&T) policy.

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Fellowship Cycle! Fellows will commit to a one-year fellowship term and will be encouraged to renew their fellowship for an additional one-year term, dependent on performance and available funding. Selected Fellows will be expected to relocate to the Charleston, West Virginia area prior to the start of the fellowship on August 1, 2025.

Fellowship Timeline

March 6, 2025: Application Opens

April 15, 2025: Application Closes

May 1, 2025: Fellows Announced

August 1, 2025: Fellowship begins

Compensation and Benefits

$65,000 salary for first year

Fully covered health, vision, and dental insurance

401k with 4.5% employer match

Travel to the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting

Laptop

Who is Eligible for the West Virginia STPF?

Applicants should be U.S. citizens that have completed a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a science, social science, or engineering program. If an applicant has completed all the requirements for their Ph.D. or other terminal degree, but has not yet officially graduated, they can apply for consideration with a letter from their advisor or committee certifying that they have completed the requirements and will be able to start the WV STeP Fellowship within 30 days of August 1, 2025.

Experience with public policy and Appalachia will be considered an asset.

Applicants should have:

  • an interest in policy practices and procedures at the state-level, particularly in West Virginia;

  • capacity to provide nonpartisan, objective information to lawmakers, withholding personal biases;

  • professionalism and maturity;

  • initiative and ability to work independently on a variety of tasks;

  • excellence in written and oral communication, particularly in breaking down complex technical information for a general audience; and

  • commitment to improving the well-being of West Virginians.

What Do WV STeP Fellows Do?

In response to requests from West Virginia state legislators, West Virginia STeP Fellows will draft science and technology (S&T) notes. These evidence-based notes provide an overview of the topic from a scientific and technical perspective, explaining the topic within the context of West Virginia’s societal needs.

Fellows writing these one-page notes will outline the current policies, opportunities, and challenges. They will also analyze the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability of policies from other states responding to the same challenge or opportunity so West Virginia legislators can incorporate this analysis into their decision making. Importantly, S&T notes do not make policy recommendations.

Provided below is a list of specific activities in which Fellows will engage:

  • Synthesize scientific and technical research related to policy topics as identified by members of the West Virginia state legislature into science and technology notes.

  • Monitor and report about science and technology policy activities in the West Virginia legislature to identify possible science and technology note topics for legislators.

  • Identify reputable sources and figures that support and communicate the science and technology policy research topics.

  • Communicate S&T Note findings to West Virginia state and federal policymakers.

  • Prepare figures (where necessary) and PDFs using Adobe InDesign and Canva or similar programs

  • Prepare materials (PowerPoints, handouts, etc.) for briefings to lawmakers and other outreach events.

  • Monitor legislature requests for S&T Notes sent via email and website.

  • Attendance at relevant networking events.

  • Keep in contact following the fellowship to support future fellows and provide information on the impact of the fellowship on your career.

How Do I Apply for the Program?

WV STeP is will open the application and begin review on a rolling basis in the spring of 2025.

Provided below are a list of items that you will need to submit for consideration:

  • a cover letter;

  • personal statement addressing the questions below;

  • your resume/CV;

  • contact information (email, phone number) for 3 professional references;

  • an existing writing sample, ideally one for a non-technical audience. The writing sample should not exceed 2 double-spaced pages or 1 single-spaced page.

In your personal statement, please address the following questions:

  • Why are you interested in this fellowship program?

  • What connection, if any, do you have to Appalachia?

  • What background, education, experiences, and expertise can you bring to the fellowship, both in your S&T field and in policy? Provide 1 - 2 brief examples that may be relevant to your work as a fellow, and your role and accomplishments in those efforts. This might include activities with community groups, professional associations, advisory and editorial committees, nonprofit organizations, outreach and teaching to non-scientific audiences, etc.

  • What broad areas of science and technology policy topics are of interest to you? (e.g., energy, environment, education, workforce, health, and transportation). Why are they of interest?

  • What are your near- and long-term career goals, and how do you envision the fellowship will help you achieve those goals?

We hope you will consider applying for this exciting opportunity! If you have any questions, please email us at fellowship@wvstep.org.