Legislative Science & Technology Policy Fellow

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy (COPA-STEP) Program

COPA-STEP, part of the Law, Policy and Engineering (LPE) Initiative in the College of Engineering, serves as the applied practice branch of LPE’s interdisciplinary mission. While LPE drives interdisciplinary education in law, policy, and engineering, COPA-STEP specializes in real-world policy engagement and professional development, reinforcing LPE's mission to produce actionable knowledge that supports public, environmental, and scientific welfare. COPA-STEP aims to strengthen ties between the scientific community and the General Assembly in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, while encouraging and equipping more scientists and engineers with the skills for effective careers in government and public service.

2026-2027 Pennsylvania Legislative Science and Technology Policy Fellowship

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the largest full-time legislature in the nation and regularly deals with science or technology-related issues. Yet, legislators and staff, as well as advisory bodies could utilize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) expertise to keep up with increasing science and technology issues facing the commonwealth. Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy Fellows help bridge this gap to provide science and technical expertise to lawmakers.

Thus, COPA-STEP is recruiting for a one-year Legislative Science & Technology Policy Fellow embedded in the Local Government Commission.

The Local Government Commission (LGC) serves as a bipartisan and bicameral service agency of the PA General Assembly. The LGC provides the legislature with research and resources for more effective and efficient local government. The nonpartisan Fellow will embed with the staff of LGC in Harrisburg, PA, for twelve months starting Fall 2026.

The Fellow will equip LGC with the expert knowledge and advanced research, analysis, and writing skills needed to meaningfully contribute to policy work within LGC and enable the Pennsylvania General Assembly to make sound, data-driven policy and decisions affecting local government in the commonwealth.

To ensure a successful fellowship year, the Fellow will receive training from LPE/COPA-STEP in Pennsylvania state government, the Pennsylvania policy process, policy writing instruction, communicating science and technology to non-scientific audiences, and on how to be an “honest broker”, i.e., providing evidence-based, objective, and nonpartisan advice that helps expand or clarify the choices for decision-making in an unbiased way. LGC staff will manage the day-to-day work of the fellow.

The primary job functions and responsibilities of the Fellow are:

• Collaborate with the Pennsylvania State Geospatial Coordinating Board, the Pennsylvania Civic Boundary Working Group, LGC staff, and other stakeholders in the analysis and improvement of the methodology for the ascertainment of legal Pennsylvania civic boundary information and accurate representation in geospatial civic boundary data.

• Conduct and synthesize research, write and edit a civic boundary report including recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes at the state, county, and local level. Assist with the preparation of other reports, and create policy recommendations as assigned by LGC.

• Meet both in-person and virtually with experts and stakeholders who have experience in the topic areas being studied.

• Assist in preparing meeting materials, including presentations, and attend meetings, seminars, conferences, and other events at the direction of the LGC.

• Manage schedule and workflow to ensure reports are completed in a timely manner.

• Work in team settings.

• Perform other office and administrative functions, including constituent work and the development of legislative proposals with a heavy emphasis on municipal law, as needed. 

• Attend trainings and weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with LPE/COPA-STEP and provide feedback, as requested. Support occasional LPE/COPA-STEP programming.

Eligible candidates must have a Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., M.D., D.V.M., M.P.H., M.Eng., or equivalent).

Preferred candidates will have strong quantitative empirical research and data visualization skills. In addition, preferred candidates will have exceptional writing skills, the ability to communicate with nontechnical audiences and translate complex ideas into easily digestible information, take initiative and manage their time well. Strong candidates will demonstrate an interest in surveying, geography, geographic information systems, history, and archival and comparative state law research.

This position is based in Harrisburg, PA and will work in-office at LGC for the first two months of employment before being allowed to participate in a hybrid in-office/telework schedule.

To apply, candidates should provide 1) a cover letter summarizing their background, relevant skills, interests, and goals, interest in the position, and their contact information; 2) a current resume; and 3) names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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