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The Optica Congressional Fellowships are a one-year opportunity for scientists and engineers to gain a unique public policy learning experience. Fellows spend a year working in Washington, D.C., typically as legislative assistants for a member of Congress or a congressional committee. This program demonstrates the value of bringing a technical background and external perspective to the decision-making process in the U.S. government. The program starts in early September 2026 with an intensive orientation by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This training teaches fellows about congressional and executive branch operations and helps them secure a placement through a series of interviews with congressional offices.
Program Detail:
- There are currently two open positions.
- USD $81,750 yearly stipend.
- Health insurance, allowance.
- Travel and relocation allowance to the Washington, DC area.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Strong record of research in optical science, technology, or materials.
- Must have a Ph.D. by the start of the fellowship (September)
- Policy-minded with a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to U.S. public policy.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals having diverse viewpoints.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship is not required).
- Must be a member of Optica:
- Optica Members: Eligible to apply for both fellowships.
- MRS Members: Eligible to apply for the Optica/MRS Fellowship only.
Application Requirements:
While filling out the application, you will be asked whether you are submitting your application for the MRS/Optica Congressional Fellowship, the Optica Congressional Fellowship, or both. If you are applying to both fellowships, you only need to submit your application once as long as you select that you are applying for both.
Candidates must submit the following materials through the application portal:
- Resume: Your resume should be no longer than two pages and include your educational background, employment history, and professional activities. You may include an optional third page for a list of professional publications and presentations. The resume should be tailored to highlight the qualifications for this fellowship.
- Statement of Interest: A statement of up to 1,000 words explaining your interest in the fellowship, your career goals, the contributions you believe you can make to the legislative process, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Letters of Reference: Three signed letters of reference are required. These letters should be uploaded and must be in PDF format on official letterhead with an electronic or scanned signature. You are responsible for ensuring all three letters are submitted by the application deadline. If a recommender has difficulty uploading the letter, they can email it to CF@optica.org.
Evaluation Criteria
- Scientific/Technical Background: The applicant's professional accomplishments and technical background, with weighting based on their career stage.
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and nonscientific audiences, including writing skills and involvement in community outreach.
- Public Policy Interest: Demonstrated interest through participation in policy or advocacy activities, service to professional societies, or other relevant involvement.
- Fellowship Skills: Qualities such as the capacity to work quickly and cooperatively, experience with diverse viewpoints, and strong interpersonal skills.
Questions? Contact: CF@optica.org
Learn more about the Congressional Fellowship program, by visiting the societies' websites:
Optica website: https://www.optica.org/congressionalfellowships
2026-2027 Congressional Fellowships
You must be logged in to see the apply button.
The Optica Congressional Fellowships are a one-year opportunity for scientists and engineers to gain a unique public policy learning experience. Fellows spend a year working in Washington, D.C., typically as legislative assistants for a member of Congress or a congressional committee. This program demonstrates the value of bringing a technical background and external perspective to the decision-making process in the U.S. government. The program starts in early September 2026 with an intensive orientation by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This training teaches fellows about congressional and executive branch operations and helps them secure a placement through a series of interviews with congressional offices.
Program Detail:
- There are currently two open positions.
- USD $81,750 yearly stipend.
- Health insurance, allowance.
- Travel and relocation allowance to the Washington, DC area.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Strong record of research in optical science, technology, or materials.
- Must have a Ph.D. by the start of the fellowship (September)
- Policy-minded with a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to U.S. public policy.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals having diverse viewpoints.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship is not required).
- Must be a member of Optica:
- Optica Members: Eligible to apply for both fellowships.
- MRS Members: Eligible to apply for the Optica/MRS Fellowship only.
Application Requirements:
While filling out the application, you will be asked whether you are submitting your application for the MRS/Optica Congressional Fellowship, the Optica Congressional Fellowship, or both. If you are applying to both fellowships, you only need to submit your application once as long as you select that you are applying for both.
Candidates must submit the following materials through the application portal:
- Resume: Your resume should be no longer than two pages and include your educational background, employment history, and professional activities. You may include an optional third page for a list of professional publications and presentations. The resume should be tailored to highlight the qualifications for this fellowship.
- Statement of Interest: A statement of up to 1,000 words explaining your interest in the fellowship, your career goals, the contributions you believe you can make to the legislative process, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Letters of Reference: Three signed letters of reference are required. These letters should be uploaded and must be in PDF format on official letterhead with an electronic or scanned signature. You are responsible for ensuring all three letters are submitted by the application deadline. If a recommender has difficulty uploading the letter, they can email it to CF@optica.org.
Evaluation Criteria
- Scientific/Technical Background: The applicant's professional accomplishments and technical background, with weighting based on their career stage.
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and nonscientific audiences, including writing skills and involvement in community outreach.
- Public Policy Interest: Demonstrated interest through participation in policy or advocacy activities, service to professional societies, or other relevant involvement.
- Fellowship Skills: Qualities such as the capacity to work quickly and cooperatively, experience with diverse viewpoints, and strong interpersonal skills.
Questions? Contact: CF@optica.org
Learn more about the Congressional Fellowship program, by visiting the societies' websites:
Optica website: https://www.optica.org/congressionalfellowships