Senior Advisor, Science Policy – Independent Consultant

Compensation: Up to $100,000 total, depending on experience and final scope 

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an experienced Senior Advisor, Science Policy to provide independent consulting services to FAS’s Engaged Science and Technology Policy Initiative for an approximately eight-month engagement. The consultant will provide substantive science policy expertise and deliver a defined set of research, policy-development, stakeholder-engagement, and publication deliverables focused on NSF governance and broader federal science policy reform.

The consultant will work independently in determining the approach and methods used to complete the agreed scope of work, while coordinating with FAS’s Director, Government Affairs as the primary project contact.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• At least 7-10 years of experience in science and technology policy, spanning some combination of federal agencies, Congress, research institutions, or policy organizations;
• Deep knowledge of NSF's directorate and division structure, funding mechanisms (grants, cooperative agreements, and related instruments), merit review processes, and strategic priorities;
• Fluency in the federal S&T policy landscape, including the roles of OSTP, NSF, DOE, NIH, and the ARPAs; funding structures; legislation; and appropriations;
• Familiarity with state-level S&T policy structures, state engagement with federal science priorities, regional innovation ecosystems, and/or research commercialization strategies;
• Exceptional written communication skills, evidenced by a track record of publishing policy proposals, and the ability to translate technical work for public-facing audiences;
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers, and to collaborate with them in developing policy;
• Demonstrated experience managing and facilitating convenings, workshops, and/or structured stakeholder engagement processes with high-profile, thought leaders;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects on time with limited oversight;
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS and within the broader science and technology ecosystem.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, or public policy field (PhD, JD, or master's);
• Prior experience working at or directly with NSF, DOE, OSTP, or a Congressional science committee;
• Experience leading science policy coalitions to co-develop policies and set shared agendas;
• Experience engaging the public to inform policy development processes; and
• Experience advancing science and technology policies through congressional and executive branch engagements. 

Scope of Work / Key Deliverables

• Publish at least five (5) policy proposals: Select, advance, and publish at least five (5) National Science Foundation (NSF) governance policy proposals developed by a series of experts; 
  • Conduct expert interviews, secondary research, and an expert survey: Conduct discovery research to inform the development of NSF governance policy proposals, including secondary research, expert interviews, and an expert survey to gather data and insights;
  • Design and execute an open call: Develop and launch an open call for NSF governance policy proposals, developing the policy questions informed by public research and reviewing and selecting at least five (5) policy proposals for development; 
  • Recruit policy experts to develop proposals: Help identify and recruit experts to develop NSF governance policy proposals; 
  • Design and facilitate one expert convening: Design, facilitate, and execute a convening with experts and key stakeholders to discuss the future of NSF governance and the policy ideas selected from the open call, gathering expert insights to shape policy development;
  • Provide expert guidance on policy proposals: Manage the development of policy proposals, providing substantive expertise, guidance, and feedback to publish a series of policy proposals for the future of NSF governance informed by expert and public engagement;
• Develop additional science-agency governance proposals: Develop policy proposals for science agency governance (e.g., NIH, NASA, etc.), using the data and insights generated for NSF governance through expert and public engagement;
• Provide a S&T Ecosystem Reform Opportunity Synthesis: Conduct targeted analysis of funding trends, policy shifts, legislation, and regulatory developments necessary to inform the agreed policy proposals and project deliverables across the S&T policy landscape and tracking legislation and regulatory developments relevant to the federal scientific and research enterprise.

Work Environment 

This position is fully remote; however, if the selected candidate is located in Washington, DC, presence in person at FAS offices can be accommodated. Some travel to FAS offices in Washington, D.C. will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs.

Contract Value

The total consulting fee will be up to $100,000 for the eight-month engagement, depending on experience, final scope of work, deliverables, and agreed level of effort. Payment structure and milestones will be defined in the consulting agreement. This is an independent contractor engagement and is not eligible for FAS employee benefits.

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned with your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.