Senior Advisor, Science Policy – Independent Consultant

Compensation:
Up to $100,000 total, depending on experience and final scope

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an experienced Senior Advisor, Science Policy to provide independent consulting services to FAS’s Engaged Science and Technology Policy Initiative for an approximately eight-month engagement. The consultant will provide substantive science policy expertise and deliver a defined set of research, policy-development, stakeholder‑engagement, and publication deliverables focused on NSF governance and broader federal science policy reform.

The consultant will work independently in determining the approach and methods used to complete the agreed scope of work, while coordinating with FAS’s Director, Government Affairs as the primary project contact.

• At least 7-10 years of experience in science and technology policy, spanning some combination of federal agencies, Congress, research institutions, or policy organizations;
• Deep knowledge of NSF's directorate and division structure, funding mechanisms (grants, cooperative agreements, and related instruments), merit review processes, and strategic priorities;
• Fluency in the federal S&T policy landscape, including the roles of OSTP, NSF, DOE, NIH, and the ARPAs; funding structures; legislation; and appropriations;
• Familiarity with state‑level S&T policy structures, state engagement with federal science priorities, regional innovation ecosystems, and/or research commercialization strategies;
• Exceptional written communication skills, evidenced by a track record of publishing policy proposals, and the ability to translate technical work for public‑facing audiences;
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers, and to collaborate with them in developing policy;
• Demonstrated experience managing and facilitating convenings, workshops, and/or structured stakeholder engagement processes with high‑profile, thought leaders;
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects on time with limited oversight;
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS and within the broader science and technology ecosystem.

• Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, or public policy field (PhD, JD, or master's);
• Prior experience working at or directly with NSF, DOE, OSTP, or a Congressional science committee;
• Experience leading science policy coalitions to co‑develop policies and set shared agendas;
• Experience engaging the public to inform policy development processes; and
• Experience advancing science and technology policies through congressional and executive branch engagements.

• Publish at least five (5) policy proposals:
  • Conduct expert interviews, secondary research, and an expert survey:
    Conduct discovery research to inform the development of NSF governance policy proposals, including secondary research, expert interviews, and an expert survey to gather data and insights;
  • Design and execute an open call:
    Develop and launch an open call for NSF governance policy proposals, developing the policy questions informed by public research and reviewing and selecting at least five (5) policy proposals for development;
  • Recruit policy experts to develop proposals:
    Help identify and recruit experts to develop NSF governance policy proposals;
  • Design and facilitate one expert convening:
    Design, facilitate, and execute a…