ComSci Fellowship Program Accepting Applications for 2009-2010

Senior federal employees who want a broader perspective on the development of the nation's science and technology policy are invited to apply for the Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship (ComSci) Program. The ComSci program affords federal employees an opportunity to study the national and international issues that drive the development, application and management of policies that concern the nation's science and technology research effort. Applications for the 2009-2010 class, which begins in September, are due April 8.

The competitive program, created in 1964, is open to senior level (GS-13 and above) executive branch employees, including military service members. Twenty fellowships will be awarded for the 10-month program. Through a varied schedule of activities and intensive work assignments in a federal agency or on Capitol Hill, fellows are exposed to the inner workings of the U.S. scientific establishment while simultaneously extending their professional network.

"This is the only in-depth program exclusively for federal employees that focuses on science and technology policy and leadership," says NIST's Marie Marques Bravo, director of the ComSci Program. "It's also rare in that it's government-wide. Participants get to meet people from many other agencies. There's lots of cross-fertilization."

Options for both full-time and part-time participation are available. Full-time participants receive a 10-month intensive and challenging work assignment in the government that is designed to provide policy-making and program management experience. Part-time participants continue working at their home agencies but commute on a weekly basis to participate in the ComSci Program seminars and site visits.

Applications are being accepted through April 8 at www.usajobs.gov, vacancy announcement ComSci-2009-0001.