Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) James Marshall Public Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship

The SPSSI James Marshall Public Policy Fellowship trains early career scientists to 1) contribute to the effective use of scientific knowledge about social issues in the formation of public policy at the federal level; 2) educate the scientific community about how research can contribute to the development of public policy; and 3) establish a more effective liaison between social scientists and various policymaking mechanisms. The fellowship provides support for a postdoctoral-level fellow to work full-time for one year in the United States Congress in Washington, DC.

The Marshall Fellow should expect to use psychological research to inform the public policymaking process while working full-time in a congressional office. The fellow participates in a range of activities involving the application of psychological research to analyze specific social policies and develop science-informed policy. The policy focus of the work varies from year to year depending on the fellow’s congressional placement. Past fellows have carried out placements in both the House and Senate and have engaged in a diverse range of policymaking activities (e.g., drafting legislation, writing speeches and talking points, planning hearings, meeting with constituents and outside groups, conducting background research).

The Marshall Fellow is paid $60,000 annually. The Marshall Fellow is also reimbursed $350/month for health care coverage of the fellow’s choosing.

Qualifications

The Marshall Fellowship is open to postdoctoral scientists from any discipline relevant to the psychological study of social issues. Candidates must be a member of SPSSI and must hold a PhD or PsyD by the start of the fellowship. Candidates must demonstrate interest or involvement in the application of social science to social issues and policies, have a sound scientific background, and demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Individual initiative and an ability to work cooperatively with others having diverse viewpoints are critical. Knowledge of policy processes at the national level, along with placement goals, is desirable, but not essential.