Applications for the 2025-2027 Fellowship were open October 1st, 2024 through January 5th, 2025.
Advances in research and their successful translation to improve health are deeply influenced by important policy decisions at the national level.
From guiding research agendas to informing the integration of genetics and genomics in clinical settings, sound evidence-based public policies can inform, enhance and accelerate equitable access to the benefits of genomics research. These policies are better informed with participation from people with expertise in genetics and genomics.
ASHG and NHGRI co-sponsor the Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship to give genetics/genomics professionals an opportunity to contribute to the policy-making process. The fellowship is designed as a bridge for those who wish to transition to a policy career.
Overview
This fellowship program is for genetics/genomics professionals with an advanced degree who are early in their careers and interested in the development and implementation of policies related to genetics/genomics research and genomic medicine at a national level.
The fellowship provides experiences working:
at NHGRI within the Executive Branch
with ASHG in the non-profit science policy and advocacy sector
in a staff position on Capitol Hill, serving elected officials in the Legislative Branch
Duration of Fellowship: 2 years
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Location: Bethesda, MD (NHGRI); Rockville, MD (ASHG); Washington, DC
Compensation and Benefits: Annual $79,000 salary plus benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance; retirement plan matching; and a training/travel allowance
The Fellowship Program
Over the course of two years, the selected fellow will participate in three different rotations in the following three areas: six months each at NHGRI and ASHG, followed by one year on Capitol Hill.
NHGRI Policy and Program Analysis Branch: Fellows will participate in a variety of projects related to genomics policies and other activities, such as the development of the institute’s federal budget justification.
Advocacy at ASHG: Fellows will work within the ASHG Policy and Advocacy Department on society advocacy initiatives and on policy issues related to genetics research and non-clinical applications of genetics in society.
Congressional Office and/or Committee: Fellows will work within the office of a member of Congress or a Congressional committee with jurisdiction over health or science. Fellows determine their positions based on availability and their own interests and participate fully in staff functions during this time.
The fellow’s activities will vary with each rotation. They will include research and analysis on a wide range of policy issues impacting biomedical research and its clinical applications and summarizing those analyses for different audiences. Writing tasks may include crafting new policy position statements, preparing testimony, summarizing legislation and drafting speeches. The fellow will participate in a variety of forums and will be expected to represent the involved organizations effectively in individual meetings and larger settings.
In addition to regular responsibilities, the fellows will participate in colloquia and professional development events designed for the broader Genomics and Public Service Fellowship Program.
Eligibility
Applicants for this fellowship must meet the following criteria:
Have earned (or will earn prior to the start of the fellowship) an advanced degree (e.g., Masters, PhD, MD, or JD) and be eligible to work in the United States
Have demonstrated expertise and/or interest relevant to human genetics or genomics
Employment offers will be contingent upon a satisfactory federal background check
ASHG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All eligible applicants may apply.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact fellowships@ashg.org.
Application Materials
A complete application packet must be submitted by January 5th, 2025 and consists of the following:
Candidate information and contact information
Educational history
A cover letter explaining your interest in the program. The cover letter should be concise (max 2 pages) and address:
Why you’re interested in this fellowship.
How this fellowship fits in with your longer-term career plan.
How your educational, research, and/or policy background makes you an excellent candidate.
Your CV or resume
Contact information for three professional references.
Characteristics of a Strong Applicant
Competitive candidates will be early in their career and should possess a scientific knowledge base; express a keen interest in transitioning to a career in science or health policy; and be able to articulate why they need this fellowship to make this transition. Outstanding candidates will have previously sought out policy-related experience. Demonstrated skills in oral and written communications are essential.
The selection committee is typically impressed by individuals who have pursued opportunities to become involved in policy or who have taken part in other activities outside of their primary responsibilities. Pursuing such activities demonstrates that the applicant has some sense of what policy work entails. Examples might include:
Sitting on a policy committee at their institution
Participating in an organization for early-career scientists
Contributing to a science policy newsletter
Writing for a local newspaper on policy issues
Completing a short policy fellowship
Volunteering at the local office of a member of Congress
Participating in lobbying Congress in support of biomedical research
Selection Process
Applications will be screened for eligibility and reviewed by ASHG and NHGRI staff.
Top-ranked candidates will be invited for virtual interviews beginning in January. Those candidates will be given a policy memo exercise ahead of their interview.
Selected fellows will be notified in spring.
Current and Past Fellows
Previous Genetics and Public Policy Fellows maintain close ties and have moved on to a variety of positions in science policy and advocacy. Explore their current positions and reflections on their fellowships.
Mentors and Contacts
Karina Miller, PhD
Manager, Advocacy and Public Affairs
American Society of Human Genetics
Kristin Lewis, PhD
Associate Director, Fellowship Programs
American Society of Human Genetics
