Deadline: April 15, 2026
Applications are open for the John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship 2026. The John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship is a full-time one-year postdoctoral level position, renewable for a second year. The salary for this position is like the AIP Congressional Science Fellowship. The Fellowship is named in honor of Dr. John Bahcall, a successful advocate for astronomy and respected researcher.
In partnership with the AAS Director and Deputy Director of Public Policy, the Bahcall Public Policy Fellow will be responsible for a wide range of AAS public policy activities including:
- Direct advocacy for issues in the astronomical sciences with Congress, the Administration, and others
- Building and maintaining relationships with key policy people related to the astronomical sciences (Congressional staff, White House staff, federal agency staff, National Academies, etc.)
- Supporting the work of the Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (CAPP), the Committee for Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE), Division policy committees, and Society and Division leadership
- Coordination of multiple Congressional visits days for groups of AAS members
- Coordination of educational briefings and exhibitions on Capitol Hill
- Drafting of congressional testimony, letters to policymakers, AAS Board resolutions, and advocacy materials
- Developing and implementing policy sessions for AAS annual meetings
- Authorship of the AAS Policy Blog, policy-related AAS social media, and AAS Action Alerts and Informational Emails
- Delivering invited colloquium talks at college/university departments and other institutions around the country
- Representing the AAS in several science and technology coalitions, including taking on occasional leadership roles for special events or initiatives
- Attendance at policy-related events: receptions, Congressional hearings, coalition meetings, conferences, briefings, advisory committee meetings, colloquia, etc.
- Monitoring developments across the astronomical science community in major scientific results, priorities, challenges, and concerns that relate to federal policies and funding
Benefits
- AAS offers a competitive salary plus an exceptional benefits package, generous sick and vacation time, 13 paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, parking and commuter benefits, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.
Eligibility
- Full or Graduate Student membership in the AAS at the time of application (other classes of AAS or Division membership will not be considered)
- PhD in the astronomical sciences or a related field; all degree requirements must be completed before the start of the fellowship term
- Demonstrated interest or experience in science policy and advocacy
- Excellent record of technical accomplishment
- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills; willing to network; comfortable being outgoing in professional settings
- Sound judgment and maturity in decision-making
- Legally authorized to work in the US (AAS cannot sponsor work authorizations at this time)
Application
Interested and qualified applicants should submit contact information, PhD status, three references, a cover letter, and a short CV.
- The cover letter should explain the applicant’s interest in the position, how the fellowship fits into the applicant’s career plans at this time, and attributes and experience that would make the applicant highly effective in this position.
- Your letter writers will be contacted to submit their reference letters by the application deadline.
- Relevant writing samples will be requested of semi-finalists.
- They have the flexibility to accommodate different start dates. Indicate your earliest possible start date in the webform.
For more information, visit John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship.
