Job Description
Job Description: A one-year paid fellowship by NOAA Sea Grant placing graduate students in federal policy roles. It “provides a unique educational and professional experience” for U.S. graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resource policy.
Role Description: Knauss Fellows are matched with “hosts” in the U.S. Congress or executive agencies in the Washington, D.C. area. Fellows work as full-time policy analysts or legislative aides on issues such as ocean and marine science, fisheries management, and aquatic resource conservation. The fellowship is named after former NOAA Administrator John A. Knauss.
Application Cycle: Annual (new class starts every March for one year).
What You’ll Need: Enrollment in a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or related field; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency; degree awarded by start of the fellowship year. Applicants must be available to start in Washington.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong interest in public policy; science communication skills; academic excellence.
Benefits and Perks: One-year salaried fellowship with salary paid by NOAA (typical stipend commensurate with GS-7/9 level plus cost-of-living adjustments). NOAA covers relocation costs and provides an orientation. Fellows gain policy experience and networking with national science leaders.
Where/How to Apply: Through the National Sea Grant College Program. Candidates apply via their state Sea Grant office (see seagrant.noaa.gov for contact information) and submit transcripts, essays, and references. Refer to the official NOAA Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship site for application guidelines.
