State Science Policy Fellowship Grant

State Science Policy Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maryland Sea Grant
Amount: More than US $56,000
Last Updated: March 04, 2026

Summary

Overview

NOTE: Application review begins May 1 (applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled). Background Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) is excited to announce a new, year-long State Science Policy Fellowship program partnering with state agencies and University System of Maryland (USM) leadership. This unique opportunity will place fellows in coastal sustainability, coastal management, and environmental policy positions within Maryland. Modeled after the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, this program will increase graduates’ professional skills and provide critical experience working for state agencies at the science-policy interface. The Maryland Sea Grant State Science Policy Fellows will work closely with state agency and legislative leadership to provide science expertise to develop policy relevant to Maryland’s progressive program to address state challenges in sustainability and action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It is an exciting opportunity for students interested in applying their research experience and critical thinking skills to advancing science-based, environmental decision-making and policy development in Maryland. Fellowship Experience This is a full-time, one-year, non-renewable position with an intended start date in September 2024. During the fellowship year, MDSG will lead an orientation during which fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the goals and expectations of the fellowship, MDSG’s mission, their host institution’s role and goals, and Maryland government and legislative structure. Fellows will then be embedded in their host office and work with their mentor to understand their responsibilities and major projects and to develop their fellowship goals and a professional plan for the year. Fellows will be offered professional development opportunities during the year to strengthen networking, build professional skills, and bring them together to discuss relevant issues across their respective organizations. Fellows will be part of a small cohort of MDSG supported fellows, including research, legal, and Knauss fellows. Funding Fellows will be employees of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science-MDSG classified as a Faculty Research Assistant for a one year term. The full-time annualized salary will be $56,000 plus access to a comprehensive fringe benefits package including health insurance and retirement options. Some funding is available for professional development travel. Fellows are jointly supported by both MDSG and the host office.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Graduate students who have advanced to candidacy for a Ph.D. or completed a M.S., Ph.D. or J.D. by the spring semester 2024. For graduates, degrees must have been awarded May 1, 2022, or later.Applicants must be/have been students from an accredited graduate school in a field related to conservation, management, protection, stewardship, public policy, of marine, coastal, and/or watershed environments, or areas that impact those environments.J.D. applicants must be from an ABA-accredited school.Individuals from across the U.S. are welcome to apply, but some placements may be restricted to U.S. citizens or Maryland university graduates.Positions are not remote; Fellows are expected to work out of their respective host office.View potential host offices for the 2024 fellowship here.