Application Deadline: March 15, 2021.
MOST Policy Fellows serve as informal science advisors to the Missouri General Assembly covering a variety of science (including social and behavioral sciences) and technology-related policy topics.
MOST policy fellows will provide much needed resources for Missouri General Assembly. Fellows will assist in scientific, rather than legal, research before bills are written, and also help to inform senators and representatives on benefits and consequences of pending statutes and regulations. Outside of the short legislative session, fellows will assist with building evidence-based research capacity and training workshops for legislators and staff, giving them confidence to address issues about which they feel passionate and better address the needs of their constituents.
The MOST Policy Fellows class consists of 5 legislative fellows who are assigned to a suite of committees in the Missouri General Assembly covering the following topics:
- Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Conservation
- Education and Workforce
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Technology and Engineering
- Economics and Finance
Eligibility: Fellows must hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in science, technology, engineering, math, medicine, or related discipline (e.g., STEMM education). Candidates who do not have a terminal degree (e.g., M.S. in Economics) will be considered on a case by case basis . Degrees must be conferred by September 1 at the start of the fellowship year, but are not required at the time of application.
Term Length: Fellows will commit to a one-year fellowship term and will be encouraged to renew their fellowship for an additional one-year term.
Compensation: Fellows will receive a stipend of $50,000/year and benefit options will be provided through the University of Missouri. In addition to salary and benefits, fellows will also receive a $1,500 for professional development and moving expenses up to $1,000. All in-state travel associated with the fellowship program will be covered by MOST Policy Initiative.
Residency: Fellows from within Missouri and outside Missouri are encouraged to apply for the MOST Policy Fellows program. During the fellowship term, fellows will be asked to reside in Central Missouri (Jefferson City, Columbia, etc.).
Selection Criteria: The MOST Policy Fellows Advisory Board will serve as the Fellow Selection Committee. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
- Interest in policy practices and procedures at the state-level, particularly in Missouri
- 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.
