The American Political Science Association (APSA) is pleased to announce a call for applications for an APSA Public Service Fellowship. The Public Service Fellowship will provide an opportunity for a political scientist to gain first-hand knowledge of the politics and policy of congressional reform through direct participation on a congressional committee staff. An orientation and participation in ongoing Congressional Fellowship Program seminars and enrichment programs will further enhance this educational experience.
The Public Service Fellowship is envisioned to last 12 months beginning in summer or early Fall 2021, at the fellow’s earliest availability.
For best consideration, please apply by July 9, 2021.
View and complete the online application here.
Candidates
Applicants may be ABD or have completed a PhD in the last 5 years. The program is open to scholars in all fields of study within political science who can demonstrate a scholarly interest in the politics and policy of congressional reform, including but not limited to:
- Congressional modernization and efficiency
- Staff recruitment, diversity, retention, and compensation
Applicants must be available to reside in Washington, DC for the fellowship, subject to the in-person requirements established by committee staff.
The Fellowship Period
Fellows are expected to work full time schedules in their placement. Each congressional office has its own unique tempo and rhythm, and offices vary in their daily schedules and work pace.
The APSA Public Service Fellowship is an experiential learning opportunity, not a research fellowship. Fellows work fulltime in their placement in a role similar to congressional staffers and also participate in the program’s enrichment activities. A fellow may conduct a limited amount of research on their own time during the fellowship period (provided there are no time conflicts or conflicts of interest with their host offices), but fellows should not expect to devote significant amounts of time to such activities and may not conduct any activities that would present conflicts with their role as a fellow within a congressional office.
Support
The fellow will receive a stipend for the duration of the fellowship. Support includes $60,000 base compensation and $400 per month health care stipend. Fellows will also receive reimbursement on travel, lodging, and registration for the 2021 or 2022 APSA Annual Meeting. They will also be included in Congressional Fellowship Program enrichment activities through the duration of their fellowship.
Selection
Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of political science faculty and APSA staff. Applicants will be notified by July 16, 2021 if they have been selected for an interview and will be notified of the final status of their application shortly after their interview.
Application
To be considered for an APSA Public Service Fellowship, applicants must complete the online application, which includes submission of: a CV, names and contact information for three references, a 500-word personal statement explaining how participation as an APSA Public Service Fellow relates to the applicant’s professional goals, and one sole-authored writing sample (published or unpublished).