The John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship is run by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the professional body for astronomers in the United States. It was created in 2006 together with Neta Bahcall, so that early-career astronomers could learn how science policy is made while strengthening the Society’s advocacy work. The Fellow works alongside the AAS Director of Public Policy out of the Society’s executive office in Washington, DC, carrying the case for the astronomical sciences to Congress, federal agencies and the National Academies.
The appointment is full-time at postdoctoral level: one year, renewable for a second. Day to day it mixes advocacy, writing and public speaking rather than research.
Benefits & funding
- Salaried full-time position. AAS sets the pay at the level of the AIP Congressional Science Fellowship; no figure is printed on the Society’s own fellowship pages.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability cover.
- 13 paid holidays, plus generous sick and vacation time.
- Parking and commuter benefits, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
- A one-year term, renewable for a second year.
Eligibility
- Full or Graduate Student membership of the AAS at the time of application. Other classes of AAS or Division membership are not considered.
- A PhD in the astronomical sciences or a related field, with all degree requirements completed before the fellowship term begins.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in science policy and advocacy.
- An excellent record of technical accomplishment.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and sound professional judgment.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States. AAS states it cannot sponsor work authorizations at this time. No nationality is excluded, but applicants must already hold the right to work.
Can you apply?
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Education required
PhD Enrolled · PhD
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Application process
- 1Join the AAS, or confirm that current membership is the Full or Graduate Student class, before applying.
- 2Write a cover letter covering interest in the post, how it fits the applicant’s career, and relevant qualifications. Combine it with a short CV into one file.
- 3Line up three references; the Society collects letters from them.
- 4Submit the online webform with contact details, PhD status, the cover letter and CV upload, and the earliest possible start date. Only applications sent through the webform are considered.
- 5Semi-finalists are asked to send writing samples.
- 6Direct questions about the post or the search to personnel@aas.org.
Program timeline
preference date for the current round; applications outside it are still reviewed as received
15 April 2026
After review
semi-finalists are asked for writing samples
Start date
agreed with the selected candidate — the Society says it can accommodate different start dates
One year after the start
the term ends, with the option to renew for a second year