The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is recruiting three full-time Metascience Fellows to work within federal research agencies for one year. This initiative comes at a pivotal moment when U.S. research organizations, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are looking to enhance their funding and operational strategies through metascience, a field focused on analyzing how scientific research is funded, conducted, and published.
Both the NSF and NIH have established metascience units to explore innovative research funding mechanisms. Metascience aims to provide empirical evidence to improve the reliability and efficiency of scientific research while also ensuring that the adoption of new research technologies is driven by solid evidence rather than speculation. FAS emphasizes that integrating metascience into federal research practices requires substantial capacity building and support from agency leaders.
The selected fellows will begin their year with a pre-service residency at FAS, where they will receive training in metascience, policy development, and other relevant skills. Following this training, they will be placed in federal agencies such as NSF or the Department of Energy (DOE). The placement may extend beyond the initial year, subject to available funding and satisfactory performance.
Metascience Fellows will play a critical role in advancing evidence-based strategies that reform funding and research practices within federal institutions. Their responsibilities will include generating insights on grantmaking and portfolio management, designing experiments to evaluate new approaches, and coordinating with other metascience units across agencies.
Candidates for the fellowship should have experience in research or government operations with a focus on science policy. They must also possess strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with decision-makers. Eligibility requirements include mid- to senior-career status and U.S. citizenship; current federal employees are not eligible to apply.
Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by November 9, 2026, through a specified online platform. Applicants are required to provide a curriculum vitae and written responses to prompts regarding their relevant experience and perspectives on federal science policy.
Fellows will receive an annual compensation of $174,000, which will cover living expenses as well as additional funds for travel and professional development.
