APS anticipates entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with a Federal Agency under which APS will place a Public Policy Fellow. The APS Public Policy Fellow would provide expertise in support of policy activities related to plant and microbial biology, agricultural, life sciences, and related technology. The APS Public Policy Fellowship would be a temporary position beginning in summer 2009 for at least 6 months, but not longer than 12 months, depending on the selected individual and needs of the Agency. 

Duties
It is anticipated the incumbent would engage in a wide range issues of relevance to science and technology often cut across the programmatic and disciplinary lines of energy, climate change, security, environment, agricultural/life/physical sciences, and technology. The Fellow will have responsibility for engaging the Federal sector and the greater scientific community on identified cross cutting issues to identify and follow up on areas of need for coordination, cohesiveness, and targeted action. In addition to serving as the APS Public Policy Fellow, the incumbent will participate in the monthly Public Policy Board teleconferences, the PPB spring meeting in Washington, D.C., and the business meeting at the APS annual meeting, and public policy sessions at APS conferences or workshops. Upon completion of the fellowship, the Fellow will write an article for Phytopathology News outlining activities and the value of the Fellowship as well as provide some orientation to other Fellows.

Selection Criteria
Applicants should:

• Have a passion for plant pathology and an interest in making a difference in policies affecting agricultural science
• Have a Ph.D. or other advanced degree in plant pathology
• Demonstrate an interest in public policy and governmental relations
• Confirm ability to serve (i.e., have, or be willing and able to obtain, appropriate clearances, permissions from current employers, blessings of family members, etc.)
• Have at least 5 years of experience in industry, teaching, government, or independent research
• Available to spend at least 6 months engaged in Washington DC
• Confirm ability to complete the Fellowship on the APS funding available
• Confirm willingness and ability to conduct the work activities assigned, and be flexible with unfolding situations and issues
• Be an APS member at the time of application
• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of selection

1. A complete CV
2. A statement of: 1) interest in the position; 2) period of availability; and 3) indication of financial requirements needed to complete the period of availability
3. Confirmation of approval of current employer

• Meeting criteria shown above
• Ability to grasp quickly the essence of technological and economical issues through assessment and integration of diverse, knowledgeable opinions
• Ability to serve in a fast-paced, high-pressure, public environment
• Ability to reflect the high professional and scientific standards of  APS
• Past service to APS, especially public policy activities