AIP Mather Public Policy Intern - National Science Board

Hosts: American Institute of Physics (AIP) and the National Science Board at NSF (1 available)

An AIP Mather Intern is placed with the Office of the National Science Board at the National Science Foundation in Alexandra, VA. The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, which created the NSF, states that "The Foundation shall consist of a National Science Board ... and a Director." Jointly the Board and the Director pursue the goals and function of the NSF, including the duty to "recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies for the promotion of research and education in science and engineering." The NSB is made up of 25 Members appointed by the President. The NSF Director is an ex officio Member.

The National Science Board has two important roles. First, it establishes the policies of NSF within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President and the Congress. In this capacity, the Board identifies issues that are critical to NSF's future, approves NSF's strategic budget directions and the annual budget submission to the Office of Management and Budget, and approves new major programs and awards. The second role of the Board is to serve as an independent body of advisors to both the President and the Congress on policy matters related to science and engineering and education in science and engineering. In addition to major reports, the NSB also publishes occasional policy papers or statements on issues of importance to U.S. science and engineering.

The Mather Policy intern will work on a mixture of our day-to-day policy needs and a policy focused project that spans NSB work on outcomes and outputs, in the context of the overall U.S. S&E enterprise and of NSF’s role within that broader landscape. The intern will attend and support NSB committee meetings and an in-person full NSB meeting. Visits to other executive branch agencies, conferences, Capitol Hill, and other federal policy partners are possible as part of day-to-day work. Overall, the intern will gain experience in broad, federal-level science and technology policy.

Qualifications

· Interest in science policy
· Excellent communication skills
· Ability to work independently
· Data analysis competency a plus