Jefferson Science Fellowships 2024-25

Eligibility for Jefferson Science Fellowships:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Applicants must be scientists, engineers, or physicians.
• Applicants must hold a tenured or equivalent position within the faculty ranks at an academic institution within the United States.
• Applicants must secure an active MOU between their academic institution and the National Academy of Sciences.
• Applicants must secure their academic institution’s Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement (applicable if selected for placement at the U.S. Department of State).
• Applicants must apply for a security clearance at the level needed for their host office placement.
• Applicants who previously received the fellowship are not eligible.

Application Process:

All eligible candidates must include the following documents to be considered for the fellowship:

• Memorandum of Understanding
• Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement (U.S. Department of State Only)
• Resume
• Statement of Interest
• Essays
• Letters of Recommendation
• Letter of Nomination (Optional)

Value of Jefferson Science Fellowships:

• Fellows from outside the Washington, DC metro area: Eligible for reimbursement of select local living expenses up to a fixed amount for no more than 12 months (approximately $55,000).
• Can request host office-approved travel and training.
• Travel and training funds: up to $10,000 (provided by USAID host offices).

Notes:

• Fellows already located in the Washington, DC metro area cannot claim reimbursement for local expenses.
• They must design and deliver a lecture as a part of the JSF Distinguished Lecture Series.
• They must complete a final report at the end of their fellowship to summarize accomplishments, benefits of the fellowship, plans, and recommendations.
• They must return to their academic institution after the fellowship but may be asked to remain available for future collaboration with the U.S. government.