Science Policy and Advocacy

Introductory Resources

• Policy Analysts – key definitions, skills, general info…, BU Vault.
• From a PhD in biomedical sciences to Science Policy Advisor, 5-min video.
• Note that people in various agencies also impact science policy (AAAS, American Associations, Funding Agencies, etc.) – to see an example, check out A day in the life of a scientific foundation strategic leader, Science Careers.
• Policy Careers for PhDs, Georgetown Biomedical Graduate Education Blog Article.

Venturing further in this career area

• From a Science PhD to Science Policy, 1-hour panel discussion video.
• My Career Evolution from Biologist to Governmental Relations Professional, Book chapter.
• Careers in Science Policy/Government – resources for PhD graduates, AAMC.
• A 76-page guide of policy careers for scientists, CCST Alumni.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. Intersect Job Simulations have been created by PhDs for PhDs, to support their career transitions into a wide range of careers. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Policy Fellowship Job Simulation.
• Policy Advocate Job Simulation.
• Data Collection for Advocacy – Job Simulation.
• Science Policy Course Development – Job Simulation.
• Advocacy – Lobbying Job Simulation.
• Advocacy – Power Mapping Job Simulation.
• Visualizing data for an annual report – Job Simulation.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Explore and leverage advocacy tools from Research!America.
• Interact with Neuroscience Advocates through the Society for Neuroscience’s Early Career Policy Ambassador 10-month program.
• Explore fellowships supporting the transition into policy:
  • Graduate Summer Fellowship (BU Pardee) – this Summer Fellowship is for all BU graduate students willing to work on a future- and policy-oriented project over a summer.
  • AIBS Public Policy Fellowship for graduate students.
  • Policy fellowships for Scientists and Engineers.
  • Fellowships in US Government for recent graduates and young professionals.
  • Congressional Fellowship – Biophysics Society.
  • Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship – American Society of Human Genetics.
  • Explore Science Policy Internship and Fellowship at Research!America.
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, local communities like the BU Science Policy Network, and online communities like Scientific Citizenship Initiative, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.