Denver Museum of Nature & Science Careers

Description

Position Description 

The Colorado Science & Technology Policy Program (STPP) Fellowship seeks a highly qualified and accomplished scientist, engineers, or other professional to serve the Colorado General Assembly for a one-year assignment, with the possibility of a second-year renewal.

As a Colorado Science & Technology Policy Program Fellow, AI and Technology, you are poised to advance evidence-based policymaking in Colorado. The Fellow will spend a year working with the Colorado State Legislature, directly serving decision makers and gaining first-hand experience learning about the policymaking process in Colorado. As a Fellow, you will evaluate complex scientific issues facing Colorado, while also tackling the responsibilities of a full-time Legislative Council Staff (LCS) member. LCS is the nonpartisan research arm of the Colorado General Assembly. Fellows will be placed full-time within the Legislative Council Staff Policy and Research Division and report to offices at the Colorado State Capitol.  

Fellows provide rigorous, nonpartisan science policy research for members of the Colorado General Assembly by working with relevant committees and other offices, as needed. Fellows may assist in scientific research as bills are written and considered and also inform legislators about the potential benefits and consequences of proposed statutes and regulations. Fellows may provide research resources year-round and also support evidence-based policymaking in the state by hosting informational briefings and workshops, providing testimony, engaging in policy discussions with stakeholders, and other constituents. Fellows will build connections and relationships across government and the research community to ensure the work is relevant, high-quality, and tailored to the needs of the legislature.  

As a Science & Technology Policy Fellow, you will have opportunities to: 

• Inform legislation through written policy briefs, memos, meetings, and testimony. 
• Work closely with legislators, policy staff and other professionals in decision-making institutions. 
• Visit different parts of the state to learn about pertinent policy issues facing Coloradans and build multi-sectoral partnerships within and outside your area of expertise. 
• Receive wide-ranging professional development in areas such as public policy, science policy, science communication, Colorado history and culture, bias and other relevant trainings. 

Policy Areas We are currently recruiting and seeking Colorado Science & Technology Policy Program Fellows to work within the following policy areas: 

• AI & Technology 

Job Class: Full Time
Hiring Range: An annual salary schedule will be used based on relevant work experience.

• Early Career (PhD and 0-6 years of experience; or MS and 2-6 years of experience): $65,000 with full benefits
• Late Career (PhD or MS and 7+ years of experience): $75,000 with full benefits 

Work Schedule: M-F with occasional nights and weekends during the legislative session (Jan-May)
Direct Reports: 0

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

The Fellowship is open to those with a terminal degree in a natural science, social science, health, engineering, technology, or related disciplines (e.g., engineering; social or behavioral sciences; medical or health sciences; biological, physical, or geosciences; or computational sciences or mathematics). Those with a master’s degree (M.S., M.E., M.P.P.) along with two years of relevant work experience will also be considered.  

Ideal Candidate Will Be/Have:

• The ability to remain nonpartisan 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• A commitment to public service and the state policy making processes 
• A capacity to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment  
• The ability to deal with technical information outside one's own specialty 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate complex and technical topics with both experts and non-experts  
• An appreciation for political sensitivities, and the ability to work effectively with people with a diverse range of experiences and values in a nonpartisan environment  
• Self-motivation and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• A connection to or interest in Colorado and the state’s current events 

Residency Requirements: 

Applicants are required to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible to work in the United States or have an applicable US work visa. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, and those from Colorado or with a connection or interest in Colorado are strongly encouraged to apply. Residency within a commutable distance to the Colorado State Capitol and host offices in Denver is required throughout the Fellowship. Relocation costs are available to those needing to relocate to the Denver Metro Area.  

Term Length:  

Fellows will commit to a one-year Fellowship term ending Sept 30, 2027. Fellows may be invited to renew their Fellowship for an additional one-year term, dependent on performance and available funding. 

Additional Information:

• Fellows will also receive a $4,000 for additional professional development opportunities, to be used for registration and travel to Colorado districts, conferences, and other opportunities.
• Fellows will also receive benefits.  

Application Instructions:

Applicants need to submit:

• A CV or resume.
• A two-page cover letter outlining why you are applying to the Colorado Science and Technology Policy Program (STPP) Fellowship, what you hope to bring to the program, and what you hope to take away from the experience. Your cover letter may not exceed two pages in length.
• Answers to four short-answer prompts (no more than 350 words each)

Please submit your resume by 6:00 p.m. MT on Sunday, November 15th.  Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum's website.

DMNS Core Values

• We love science.
• We are curious, creative, and playful.
• We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.
• We think critically and act with empathy.

Perks of Working at DMNS

A Workplace That Invests in You: DMNS is proud to be a 2026 Mployer Advisor Top Employee Benefits Award winner, recognized for our benefits both within our industry and across all industries in the Mountain region. From health coverage to retirement savings and leave benefits, we’re committed to supporting you at work and beyond.

Click HERE (https://www.dmns.org/about/careers/benefits/) to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.