CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Applications for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship are now open! As CCST Fellows, PhD scientists, engineers, and social scientists spend one year in Sacramento, California, working as staff in the State Assembly, State Senate, a State Agency, or Offices of the Governor. Fellows get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policymaking in the State of California — a dynamic arena that often sets policy trends for the United States and the world.
Timeline & Location
- Applications Due: March 2, 2026, 11:59 pm PST
- Fellowship dates: Nov. 2, 2026 – Oct. 31, 2027
- In-Person, Sacramento, California
Eligibility
- PhD in science, social science, or engineering field by Sept. 15, 2026
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States as a U.S. citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident. CCST will not sponsor a Fellow for a work visa.
- Previous policy work experience is not required.
- For more details, See FAQ
Compensation
- Salary $70,304 (as of January 1, 2026)
- Paid-time off
- Health, dental, & vision benefits
- Reimbursements for professional development + Relocation
Application Materials
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Apply
https://webportalapp.com/sp/ccst
Informational Webinar with CCST Fellows Alumni:
Your Path to Policy: The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (Zoom)
Presentation + Alumni Q&A
Wednesday Jan. 28, 2026
12pm-1:15pm PST
webinar will be recorded
Bethany Hopkins, PhD
Science Fellows Program Manager
California Council on Science and Technology
bethany.hopkins@ccst.us
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhopkins/