APS and AIP are coordinating with the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development (OPEPD) in the Department of Education (ED) to host a Ph.D. level scientist interested in working on a variety of policy initiatives and research projects. OPEPD is responsible for the coordination and development of major policy initiatives and the Department’s annual budget request, working in close collaboration with staff across the Department, with the White House, with Congress, and with external stakeholders to craft policies that will best realize the President’s goals of closing the achievement gap and making the United States first in the world in college completion by 2020.
Fellows may be asked to:
- Conduct research analysis and develop metrics to assess the impact of various Department initiatives, and to explore emerging Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) issues in P-12 education, higher education, career and technical/vocational/adult education, or STEM teacher preparation and support.
- Identify and build-out new ways for the Department to deepen its impact in the STEM fields, including partnerships with other federal agencies, state and local governments and the private sector.
- Coordinate inter-agency efforts to achieve the Department’s policy goals as defined by the Committee on STEM Education 5-year Federal Strategic Plan.
- Develop policy priorities for newly proposed programs such as the STEM Innovation Networks.
- Perform legislative research and attend Congressional hearings, briefings, and other events on the Department’s behalf.
Criteria for Participation
- Hold a doctoral level degree (Ph.D.) in a field of Physics (e.g. Theoretical or Experimental Physics, Physics Education Research, Biophysics, or any of the other physical sciences represented by the AIP Member Societies) with a preference for Physics Education Research
- Have solid scientific and technical credentials and the endorsement of three references.
- Show a commitment to serve society.
- Exhibit outstanding communications skills and demonstrated ability to craft policy papers, decision memos, talking points and program proposals on complex education issues for diverse audiences, including non-scientific audiences.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work with a wide range of individuals and offices at the Department and ability to be effective in large bureaucracies.
- Possess the ability to operate and execute with limited guidance and in ambiguous or novel circumstances; and ability to appropriately and effectively use informal authority when leading teams or projects.
- Hold U.S. citizenship (dual citizenship is acceptable).
- Federal employees are not eligible.
- Candidates must have some familiarity with education policy and/or federal policy.
To begin the application process, send the following to Tyler Glembo at glembo@aps.org
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of References
Screening of potential candidates will begin immediately.
Deadline for application is Sept. 20, 2013.
NOTES:
Employer will assist with relocation costs
