The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is inviting applications for the 2026 Civic Science Fellow position under The Public’s Science initiative, a groundbreaking effort designed to reshape the relationship between science and society. This 18-month fellowship offers an annual salary of $86,667 and provides a unique opportunity to work at one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions located in Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
The Civic Science Fellow will join the Science, Technology, and Social Values Lab within the IAS School of Social Science, led by renowned scholar Professor Alondra Nelson. The initiative is a collaboration with the Science & Justice Research Center at the University of California, Santa Cruz, aiming to build a more inclusive and participatory model of research governance in the United States.
Through this role, the selected fellow will contribute to developing new frameworks for public engagement in science and policy, helping to advance a modern social contract for research that better serves diverse communities.
About the Civic Science Fellowship
The 2026 Civic Science Fellow will play a key role in advancing The Public’s Science initiative by supporting research, communication, and community engagement efforts that promote inclusive participation in science policy.
The full-time fellowship lasts 18 months and offers a collaborative environment where fellows work alongside leading scholars, researchers, and policy practitioners focused on science governance and public engagement.
Fellowship Responsibilities
The fellow will spend approximately 75% of their time supporting The Public’s Science initiative, while the remaining 25% focuses on professional development.
Key responsibilities include:
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Designing and implementing a digital engagement platform to facilitate public input and dialogue around research policy.
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Producing and curating accessible content, including essays, research summaries, and multimedia materials.
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Supporting the editorial development of scholarly publications, including contributions to a special issue of The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.
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Conducting research on participatory governance models, international science policy frameworks, and public engagement practices.
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Coordinating peer-review processes and working with contributors to ensure clarity and accessibility.
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Building partnerships across an emerging community of practice focused on public science.
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Assisting in the preparation of policy documents, reports, and research manuscripts.
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Representing the initiative at conferences, seminars, and professional meetings.
Professional Development Opportunities
In addition to project responsibilities, the fellowship offers extensive professional growth opportunities. Fellows will:
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Develop expertise in science communication and public scholarship.
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Gain hands-on experience translating academic research for policymakers, journalists, and civil society organizations.
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Build professional networks across academic, policy, media, and civic sectors.
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Participate in seminars, workshops, and interdisciplinary discussions at IAS.
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Contribute to shaping a policy framework for the future of American research governance.
Salary and Benefits
The Civic Science Fellowship offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
Compensation and benefits include:
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Annual salary of $86,667
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Total compensation of approximately $131,000 for the full 18-month appointment
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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Life insurance coverage
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Short- and long-term disability benefits
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Flexible spending accounts
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Paid holidays and sick leave
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Retirement plan options
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Tuition assistance
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Employee assistance program
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, research, and communication skills along with experience in digital communications and community engagement.
Minimum qualifications include:
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M.A. or M.S. in science writing, multimedia journalism, or science and health journalism
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Ph.D. in social sciences, sciences, or humanities
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Experience in digital communications or online platform management
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Strong editorial and analytical abilities
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Ability to translate complex academic ideas for broad audiences
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Demonstrated interest in the social, cultural, and political implications of science and technology
Preferred qualifications include:
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Experience in science and technology studies, science policy, or science communication
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A strong record of research or publications
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Experience managing digital platforms or public engagement initiatives
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Program or project management experience
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Strategic and forward-thinking approach to collaborative projects
About the Institute for Advanced Study
Founded in 1930, the Institute for Advanced Study is one of the world’s leading independent research centers dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental knowledge. IAS has a long tradition of supporting academic freedom and innovative research.
The institute has hosted an extraordinary community of scholars, including:
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37 Nobel Laureates
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46 Fields Medalists
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24 Abel Prize Laureates
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Numerous MacArthur Fellows and Wolf Prize recipients
IAS continues to serve as a global hub for interdisciplinary scholarship and transformative ideas.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit:
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A resume
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A cover letter
Applications will be reviewed for the 2026 Civic Science Fellow position.
Deadline
No specific deadline has been publicly announced. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.