Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship
Background
The advancement of biotechnology continues to fuel new discoveries across scientific disciplines, including genetics and genomics. Attached to many of these advances, such as rapid and large-scale DNA genotyping, are policy questions that address a wide range of issues. Funding for research and the implications of scientific studies are excellent examples of the intersection between science and policy. The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the National Human Genome Research Institute are co-sponsoring the genetics and public policy fellowship to give genetics professionals an opportunity to contribute the policy-making process. This unique fellowship provides three separate types of experiences: time spent in the NIH as a part of the Executive branch; a staff position on Capitol Hill serving elected officials and the Legislative branch; and then experience working with ASHG in the non-profit science advocacy sector. This variety of assignments provides experience for the fellow from multiple critical viewpoints and challenging perspectives of the scientific policy-making process.
Program Overview
Purpose: This is a fellowship program designed for genetics professionals with an advanced degree who are early in their careers and interested in the development and implementation of genetics health and research policies at the national level. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in policy analysis at the NHGRI and the ASHG and to work directly with the U.S. Congress.
Length of Fellowship: 16 months
Start Date: August to early September (negotiable)
Compensation Package:
2008-09: $55k, stipend plus benefits
Designated Mentors:
Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.
Acting Chief and Science Policy Analyst, NHGRI
Joann Boughman, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President, ASHG
Rotations (schedule approximate)
| Sept. - Dec. 2008 |
Policy and Program Analysis Branch, Office of the Director, at NHGRI: Participate in a variety of ongoing ethical, legal, and policy activities as well as other processes, such as development of the federal budget. |
| Jan. - Sept. 2009 |
Congressional office and/or Committee involved in genetics-related public policy issues: Work in staff office, participate fully in staff functions. Fellows determine their congressional positions based on availability and their own interests, and participate fully in staff functions during this time. |
| Oct. - Dec. 2009 |
Work with the administration of ASHG: Be involved in legislative and policy issues, providing support for the Board and Social Issues Committee, and collaboration with other organizations (e.g., ACMG, NSGC, FASEB and AAMC) |
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Activities
The fellow will do background research and analysis on policy issues of importance to the human genetics community and prepare summaries on issues for a variety of audiences. Writing tasks will include preparation of testimony, policy analysis documents, points-to-consider documents, position statements and educational articles. The fellow will participate in a variety of forums and will be expected to represent the involved organizations effectively in individual meetings and larger settings.
Qualifications and Skills
Candidates are expected to have an advanced degree in human genetics or related field. Exceptional applicants with other advanced degrees and clearly demonstrated experience-based knowledge in science policy could be considered. Ideally, the fellow will have completed graduate training, but be early in the career development path. In addition to possessing a scientific knowledge base, the candidate must have a well-articulated interest in public policy development and implementation. Demonstrated skills in both oral and written communications are essential.
Selection Process and Application
A committee of representatives from ASHG and NHGRI will review application materials, interview finalists, and recommend up to three candidates to the organizational leaders for the final selection decision. As indicated in the application materials, the experience, motivation, area of interest, and future plans of the candidates will be considered. Membership in ASHG is also a consideration.
The deadline for applications has passed. Check this page next year for information on how to apply for 2009.
Contact
Questions for the ASHG/NHGRI Fellowship can be directed to:
Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.
Acting Policy and Program Analysis Branch Chief
Science Policy Analyst
Policy and Program Analysis Branch, NHGRI
E-mail: frosstp@mail.nih.gov
Joann Boughman, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
American Society of Human Genetics
E-mail: jboughman@ashg.org
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Last Updated: February 25, 2008
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