Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship
Background
The advancement of biotechnology continues to fuel new discoveries across scientific disciplines, including genetics and genomics. Attached to many of these advances, such as rapid and large-scale DNA genotyping, are policy questions that address a wide range of issues. Funding for research and the implications of scientific studies are excellent examples of the intersection between science and policy. The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) are co-sponsoring the genetics and public policy fellowship to give genetics professionals an opportunity to contribute the policy-making process. This unique fellowship provides three separate types of experiences: time spent in the NIH as a part of the Executive branch; a staff position on Capitol Hill serving elected officials and the Legislative branch; and then experience working with ASHG in the non-profit science advocacy sector. This variety of assignments provides experience for the fellow from multiple critical viewpoints and challenging perspectives of the scientific policy-making process.
Top of page Program Overview
Purpose: This fellowship program is designed for genetics professionals with an advanced
degree who are early in their careers and interested in the development and implementation
of genetics health and research policies at the national level. This unique fellowship provides
three separate types of experiences: time spent in the NIH as a part of the Executive branch;
a staff position on Capitol Hill serving elected officials and the Legislative branch; and then
experience working with ASHG in the non-profit science advocacy sector. This variety of
assignments provides experience for the fellow from multiple critical viewpoints and
challenging perspectives of the scientific policy-making process.
Length of Fellowship: 16 months
Start Date: Negotiable: August to early September
Compensation Package:
2010-11: Annual $60k stipend plus benefits
Designated Mentors:
Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.
Head Policy & Program Analysis Branch
Office of the Director, NHGRI
Joann Boughman, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President, ASHG
Profiles of Current Public Policy Fellows [ashg.org]
Top of page Rotations (schedule approximate)
| Sept. - Dec. 2010 |
Policy and Program Analysis Branch, Office of the Director, at NHGRI: Participate in a variety of ongoing ethical, legal, and policy activities as well as other processes, such as development of the federal budget. |
| Jan. - Sept. 2011 |
Congressional office and/or Committee involved in genetics-related public policy issues: Work in staff office, participate fully in staff functions. Fellows determine their congressional positions based on availability and their own interests, and participate fully in staff functions during this time. |
| Oct. - Dec. 2011 |
Work with the administration of ASHG: Be involved in legislative and policy issues, providing support for the Board and Social Issues Committee, and collaboration with other organizations (e.g., ACMG, NSGC, FASEB and AAMC) |
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Top of page Activities
The fellow will do background research and analysis on policy issues of
importance to the human genetics community and prepare summaries on issues for a variety
of audiences. Writing tasks will include preparation of testimony, policy analysis documents,
points-to-consider documents, position statements and educational articles. The fellow will
participate in a variety of forums and will be expected to represent the involved organizations
effectively in individual meetings and larger settings.
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Qualifications and Skills
Candidates are expected to have an advanced degree in human
genetics or related field. Exceptional applicants with other advanced degrees and clearly
demonstrated experience-based knowledge in science policy could be considered. Ideally, the
fellow will have completed graduate training, but be early in the career development path. In
addition to possessing a scientific knowledge base, the candidate must have a well-articulated
interest in public policy development and implementation. Demonstrated skills in both oral
and written communications are essential.
Top of page Selection Process and Application
A committee of representatives from ASHG and NHGRI will review
application materials, interview finalists, and recommend up to three candidates to the
organizational leaders for the final selection decision. As indicated in the application materials,
the experience, motivation, area of interest, and future plans of the candidates will be
considered. Membership in ASHG is also a consideration.
The application deadline is April 2010
To apply, go to: 2010 Fellowship in Genetics and Public Policy (Application Coming Soon)
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Contact
Questions for the ASHG/NHGRI Fellowship can be directed to:
Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.
Head, Policy and Program Analysis Branch
National Human Genome Research Institute
E-mail: frosstp@mail.nih.gov
Joann Boughman, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
American Society of Human Genetics
E-mail: jboughman@ashg.org
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Last Updated: November 3, 2009
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