State Legislative Science, Technology, and Public Policy Fellow
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How to Apply
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to be considered. Please combine all materials into a single document. The cover letter should explain your interest in the position and highlight relevant skills and experience. The writing sample should be no more than 10 pages and should demonstrate strong professional writing skills. Policy-related samples, such as a policy memo, briefing paper, analysis, report, or similar document, are preferred.
This is one-year term-limited appointment and renewal for a second year is dependent on continued grant funding.
This position requires working both in-person in Lansing at the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and remotely.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not use AI tools in any part of the application process (drafting your cover letter, answering questions during the interview, etc). We are interested in assessing your qualifications without the input of AI assistance.
Job Summary
The Science, Technology and Public Policy (STPP) program at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy has recently launched MiST, the Michigan Science, Technology, and Public Policy Fellowship program, which embeds fellows in offices in state government in Lansing, Michigan for twelve months. MiST is currently recruiting for a one-year post-graduate state legislative fellowship position focused on AI policy and governance as it relates to the priorities and work of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The fellow is expected to work hybrid schedule with 1-2 days in-person per week at EGLE's offices for the full appointment.
To ensure a successful fellowship year, the fellow will receive training about Michigan state government, the policy process, policy writing instruction, communicating science and technology to non-scientific audiences, and how to provide evidence-based, objective communications that help expand or clarify technical topics. Staff at EGLE will manage the day-to-day work of the fellow and you will report to Brad Pagratis, EGLE Information Management Division Director.
The MiST fellowship program is administered by the Ford School, one of the nation's foremost policy schools at one of the world's great public universities. We are a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges. To learn more about the Ford School, readAbout Us (https://fordschool.umich.edu/about) .
Responsibilities*
Research 35%
Conduct literature and landscape reviews on AI governance and other technology related policy topics (e.g., innovation policy, data centers, data governance, data privacy, and responsible AI use and implementation).
Track key bills, hearings, new developments at Congress, federal agencies and other states on AI and/or data governance
Engage in online research using state government and university library databases and conduct in-person information gathering as needed.
Work with team members at EGLE to collaborate on shared research and policy projects
Communications and Findings Dissemination 20%
Draft memos, presentations, briefs, and reports intended for a non-technical audience
Assist in creating and maintaining print and web-based resources
Present findings to supervisors and staff
Agency and government relations 10%
Respond to queries on technology policy
Determine research needs and priorities for the questions posed and communicate them accordingly
Practice confidentiality in work communications.
Data Analysis and AI system analysis 35%
Research and develop strategies for large scale data clean-up, data quality, and data governance initiatives
Perform data cleaning and merging procedures on complex data sets
Review system documentation from AI implementations
Review, analyze, and make recommendations on model training data
Assist with data analysis, including preparing data analysis results for memos and presentations
Review and compare system model cards and model information
Required Qualifications*
Fellows must hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in natural sciences (e.g., biology, physics, earth), social sciences (e.g., economics, education, sociology), engineering, technology, or a related discipline. Degrees must be conferred by the fall / summer of 2026
Experience synthesizing scientific research and/or technical topics for non-specialist audiences through the use of effective writing, presentation, or public speaking skills
Some experience with data analysis within AI implementation tools
Advanced knowledge and / or experience of one or more areas of Artificial Intelligence, including but not limited to AI implementation, AI policy, AI development, responsible AI, usage and adoption trends, or AI governance.
Ability to prioritize efforts across multiple simultaneous projects and to manage time efficiently
Familiarity or use with multiple AI models, such as frontier or specialized
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Paid parental leave
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
280243
Working Title
State Legislative Science, Technology, and Public Policy Fellow
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
School Pub Policy
Department
G. Ford Sc Pub Pol
Posting Begin/End Date
7/16/2026 - 8/09/2026
Salary
$62,000.00 - $70,000.00
Career Interest
Research
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