Careers at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech’s Presidential Postdoctoral Science Policy and Research Ethics Fellowships are intended for postdoctoral researchers who are highly motivated to learn about the science-policy interface while applying their technical knowledge and analytical skills to the science policy and research ethics realms. It is critically important for scientists to effectively collaborate with policymakers and the media. This fellowship addresses the need for specialized training to prepare postdocs for science advocacy and careers in public policy and research ethics. Virginia Tech Presidential Postdoctoral Fellows will engage in various career and professional opportunities (estimated at 2-4 events per semester) organized through the Virginia Tech Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and our partners, and will receive resources to advance their professional development during their fellowship.

This position will be under the direction of Cristen Jandreau, Director of the Research Conflict of Interest Program in the Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC). It is a field-specific postdoctoral position with a research focus to examine important and emerging concerns in the research integrity and compliance fields. The postdoc will develop their project based on a topic of interest consistent with SIRC’s mission and strategic goals. Strong projects will leverage the postdoc’s technical background, their policy area of interest, and Virginia Tech’s/the Commonwealth of Virginia’s networks and relationships in the government and science community. The goal of the postdoctoral experience will be to expose scientists to practice and research in the science policy and research ethics fields.

Objectives
• To experience the fields of science policy and research ethics in the higher education setting, with a focus on scholarly integrity and research compliance policies
• To develop and conduct original research related to research integrity, objectivity in research, compliance with federal research regulations, the role of science in policy-making, or related topic
• To develop expertise in science policy and research ethics for future employment opportunities in federal, state, and private agencies, and organizations
• To explore events that increase awareness of diverse careers and gain networking and mentoring opportunities that foster career transition

Partnership with Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering & Science Fellowship Fellowship
This position involves participation in the Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering & Science Fellowship (COVES) program. The Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (VASEM) 12-week fellowship program positions fellows as science advisors in a variety of possible placements, including legislative offices, executive agencies, or prominent companies and nonprofits in the state of Virginia.

During the first week of the fellowship, fellows will attend a science policy bootcamp and orientation that will offer training in science policy and communication and will provide an introduction to governance and policy-making in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fellows will gain experience by serving their host office and performing relevant tasks such as researching, drafting, and revising relevant policies. In addition to their work in policy offices, fellows will also be paired with a VASEM member who will serve as an experienced science policy mentor throughout the fellowship.

- PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Must also meet the eligibility requirements of the COVES Fellowship for Virginia Engineering and Science Fellows.
- Demonstrated publication record.

- If a candidate has previously completed the COVES Fellowship, other activities will be substituted for the COVES Fellowship experience.
- Experience supervising students or other junior research staff.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Commensurate

12/20/2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.