Science Policy Careers

Part of the Every Month Series for career exploration

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.

Learn from UCSF alums working in this field with Science Policy - The Fundamentals.

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.
Read this interview with a former bench scientist that is now a policy analyst for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Check UCSF Connect for UCSF alumni in science policy. You can reach out to ask to do an informational interview with them!

What are some job titles for people who work in science policy?

How can you transition into science policy?

This Science article offers timeless insights on and normalization of career transitions away from the bench, with an emphasis on science policy (Spoiler: networking!). For more specifics, follow up with this Science article, which discusses when to leave academia, what career prospects scientists have in industry, and what to do when you know you're interested in policy.

Interested in a science policy career in Europe? This rich Science article covers three scientists who moved into policy positions in Europe and three different approaches to this transition.

Examples of organizations that hire PhDs

Get experience

The best way to pursue this career is to apply for and win a fellowship in science and technology policy advising. Some fellowships are listed below.

Additional fellowship lists:

You may also want to consider a Science Policy degree program. Here are a few examples of Science and Technology Policy Degree Programs:

Find your community

Is the science policy field a good fit for you?

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.

Ready to start your job search?