Eligibility  

Who can apply for the Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship?

The Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship is open to those with a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a natural science, social science, engineering, technology, or related discipline (e.g., engineering; social or behavioral sciences; medical or health sciences; biological, physical, or earth sciences; or computational sciences or mathematics). A master’s degree (M.S., M.E., or equivalent), plus two to three years of work experience, will also be considered. Degree completion is required before the start of the Fellowship term.     

The hiring committee seeks to recruit a diverse applicant pool for the Fellowship. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.    

What qualities should a Fellow possess? 

We are looking for Fellows who have the following traits to be successful in their role: 

• A connection to, or interest in, Colorado and the state’s current events 
• A commitment to public service and the state policy-making processes 
• A capacity to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• The ability to deal with technical information outside one's own specialty 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate complex and technical topics with both experts and non-experts  
• An appreciation for political sensitivities, and the ability to work effectively with people with a diverse range of experiences and values in a non-partisan environment  
• Personal integrity and self-motivation, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously  

Is the Fellowship limited to Colorado residents?  

No, all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. However, residency within a commutable distance to the Colorado State Capitol and host offices in Denver is required throughout the fellowship.  

Relocation costs are available to those needing to relocate to the Denver Metro Area. 

Are there additional residency requirements?  

Yes, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible to work in the United States.  

Is previous experience in policy required?  

No, applicants are not expected to have previous policy experience. However, they are expected to be interested in the policy and political processes of Colorado state government and understand the value of scientific expertise in policymaking and willing to learn.  

Is the Fellowship limited to only early-career scientists?  

No. Applicants at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply, including mid-career scientists and researchers, faculty members on sabbatical, as well as recent graduates.  

Is a candidate’s political affiliation a consideration in selecting Fellows? 

No. Fellows are selected on a non-partisan basis and are expected to uphold a non-partisan view throughout their tenure and in their work.

  

Application  

When is the application due? 

All application materials must be submitted by 6:00 pm MT on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Submit your application here. 

What needs to be submitted with the application?  

Applicants will need to submit the following:  

A CV or resume.  

A cover letter outlining why you are applying to the Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, what you hope to bring to the program, and what you hope to take away, not exceed 2 pages in length.

Two letters of recommendation submitted by your recommenders to institute@dmns.org by May 31, 2025. Please include the subject “Colorado STPF Letter of Recommendation [applicant last name].” 

The application also includes 3 short answer prompts (no more than 350 words each) to the following questions:  

1. Describe your research, dissertation, or thesis, as if you were presenting it to a member of the state legislature. The goal is to describe your research to a non-technical audience in a clear and concise manner that avoids using language that is overly technical.   
2. Give an example of how you have approached researching a topic outside of your area of expertise.   
3. What do you see as primary barriers to incorporating science and research into the state-level policy making process? Colorado examples encouraged.

Should I include other non-science work in my application?  

Yes! The hiring committee will be looking for candidates with broad and diverse experiences. Activities beyond your academic background, or previous work experience, including extra curriculars, community groups or service, or anything related to your non-science work is relevant as an example of your overall interests, experiences, and abilities.

  

Compensation 

What salary and benefits are provided to Fellows?  

The base salary will be $65,000 which is comparable to salaries provided for other postdoctoral fellowships in Colorado.  

Fellows will also receive full benefits, including health, dental, and other expenditures. Fellows are considered employees of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, see here for more information on benefits.  

Fellows will also receive a $4,000 stipend for additional professional development opportunities and to cover work-related travel.   

Are relocation costs covered?  

We can provide up to $1,500 to cover any relocation costs.

 

Schedule and Duties 

When does the Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship begin?  

This is a full-time position, beginning in October 2025. The Fellowship year ends the following September. Fellows may be invited to extend their Fellowship for an additional year on a case-by-case basis.  

How are Fellows placed?  

Fellows will receive their office assignments after the initial orientation and training period. Next, Fellows will meet with interested host offices within the Legislative Branch. Hosts and Fellows will complete a mutual ranking process, and using these rankings, office assignments will be determined by the Institute for Science & Policy.

What are the Fellowship policies regarding in-person, hybrid, and remote work opportunities?  

While fellows are required to be living in, or around the Denver, Colorado area, flexibility on work location is granted and will be determined by the host office. Fellows must be present at the Capitol in Denver throughout the Fellowship year (October 2025 - September 2026).

 

Additional Questions 

Watch our Application Information Session from May 13 to learn more about the program. You'll get an overview of the Fellowship, application, and interview process, plus answers to questions from our live Q&A.

Also, feel free to email us at institute@dmns.org for specific inquiries. 

Application Information Session