Congressional Fellow

Congressional Fellow

Full-time staff

Washington, D.C. [in-person]

Applications for this position will be closed at 11:59pm Eastern Time, April 22, 2026. We will be accepting letters of recommendation until 11:59pm Eastern Time, April 30, 2026.

Please note that we are only accepting applications to this position submitted via the linked platform. When applying, you will be redirected to our application platform and will need to create an account to submit an application.

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

The FAS Impact Fellowship is a selective fellowship program that supports the development and placement of emerging scientific and technical talent within high-impact roles across government. From education to wildfire resilience, national security, and housing, Impact Fellows are serving across a variety of government agencies in roles embedded within existing government teams as they confront some of the greatest scientific and social challenges of our time.

To Sum It Up…

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

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking to sponsor a fellow, who will be placed within the office of a member of Congress. FAS is looking for a mid-career individual with a strong scientific or technical background interested in an educational opportunity to work temporarily in Congress to fill this role. The fellow will have the opportunity to utilize their scientific expertise and analytic skills, while increasing their understanding of the legislative process and public policy.

This is a temporary, 12-month fellowship. As part of this opportunity, the fellow will be expected to pursue educational opportunities in Congress; to that end, professional development opportunities will be included as part of this program.

In this role, a fellow could be expected to:

• Work with office leadership to formulate and advance legislative initiatives for assigned issue areas
• Track legislation and engage in legislative activity for the Member, including committee matters, bills before the floor, and other legislation of interest. 
• Provide input to help the communications team to draft speeches, press releases, op-eds, and statements for the Member
• Represent the Member at meetings with constituents and interest groups
• Provide district office staff with targeted information for community events and town hall meetings

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

FAS is looking for candidates who may meet one or more of the following suggested criteria:

• An expert with a strong scientific or technical background
• A policy entrepreneur: a nimble and strategic operator with the hunger to actualize policy ideas in a fast-moving policy environment 
• Dynamic policy interests: Stated portfolio needs include issues related to science and technology; AI; government capacity; “natural capital” (i.e., energy and the environment). The candidate should be interested in innovating the American research establishment and increasing engagement with science among the American public. The portfolio may adapt and shape over the course of the fellowship.
• Collaborator: An ideal candidate will excel working closely within an office and across legislative, communications, administrative teams, and more. 

Eligibility

• Candidates may come from a range of career stages, degree levels, and experience. The ideal candidate will have:
  • A Ph.D., or
  • A MS degree PLUS at least 3 years of post-degree work experience, or
  • A BS degree PLUS 5 years of post-degree work experience.
• Applicants must demonstrate sensitivity towards policy and political issues and have a strong interest in applying their expertise toward societal solutions.
• Applicants must be able to work for the fellowship period in Washington, D.C. The fellowship period is for 12 months.
• Current federal employees are not eligible.

Application Materials

Please upload the following documents as part of your application:

• Cover letter expressing interest in the program
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Work Environment 

The FAS Congressional Fellowship is an in-person role based in the Washington, D.C. area, and fellows must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland or northern Virginia for the duration of the fellowship. Fellows are sponsored by FAS and placed in a congressional office for their fellowship.

Salary Range

This fellowship will provide a stipend at an annual rate of $154,000, with additional allowances for professional development and work travel.

Applications for this position will be closed at 11:59pm Eastern Time, April 22, 2026. We will be accepting letters of recommendation until 11:59pm Eastern Time, April 30, 2026.

Please note that we are only accepting applications to this position submitted via the linked platform. When applying, you will be redirected to our application platform and will need to create an account to submit an application.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.