Science Policy Careers

What is science policy work?

Science policy work is about the impact that science has on society.

Dr. Keith Yamamoto, the vice chancellor for science policy and strategy at UCSF, describes science policy work as “any pronouncement…on science education, practice, ethics, communication, application, or social impact.” Those that work in science policy are liaisons between policymakers and scientists, according to The American Chemical Society (ACS). Learn more about the science policy landscape and what science policy work looks like from American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Policy Fellow Geoffrey Hunt. Get some perspectives on why science policy work is important from the NIH. Understand one application of science policy: science funding. Keep up on the latest science policy news from The Guardian.

Science Policy - The Fundamentals
Get a quick overview of science policy careers from UCSF alums working in the field

What does a career in science policy look like?

Learn more about science policy work from the experiences of individuals:

Jennifer Gordon is a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow who transitioned from an academic postdoctoral position into science policy.
American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) describes science policy work from the perspective of two PhDs that made the transition into this field.
These three AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellows are now involved with public outreach.
Check UCSF Connect for UCSF alumni in science policy. You can reach out to ask to do an informational interview with them!

How can I transition into science policy?

Interested in a science policy career in Europe? Read about three scientists who moved into policy positions in Europe and three different approaches to this transition.

How do I know if the science policy field is a good fit for me?

Good question! Find out by completing an assessment.

If you're in basic or biomedical sciences, use AAAS's My Individual Development Plan Assessment Tool, which OCPD co-created. Answer three assessments and it will calculate and compare your skills/interests/values responses to key factors for 60 different career paths within 20 different career categories that are options for you as a scientist.
If you're in social or population sciences, use the ImaginePhD Skills, Interest, and Values Assessments. Make an account for free and then click the Assessments tab at the top. They will match your skills, interests, and values to families of jobs and provide resources for learning more about the jobs in the families that are best suited to you.