The Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship 2027–28 offers scientists and engineers an $85,000 stipend, a $5,000 health insurance allowance and up to $3,000 in relocation and related support. Apply by 4 December 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
Optica and the Materials Research Society (MRS) are inviting applications for the 2027–2028 Congressional Fellowship, a one-year opportunity for scientists and engineers interested in contributing their technical expertise to public policy in the United States.
Fellows spend a year in Washington, D.C., typically serving as legislative assistants to a member of Congress or a congressional committee. The programme offers an opportunity to understand how scientific and technical knowledge can inform government decisions and policy development.
The fellowship begins in early September 2027 with an intensive orientation organised by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The training introduces fellows to congressional and executive branch operations and helps them pursue placements through interviews with congressional offices.
The application deadline is 4 December 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship 2027–2028 |
| Organisations | Optica and Materials Research Society (MRS) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Duration | One year |
| Start date | Early September 2027 |
| Stipend | US$85,000 |
| Health insurance allowance | US$5,000 |
| Relocation and related support | Up to US$3,000 |
| Applications opened | 14 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 4 December 2026 |
| Eligibility | Individual applicants |
| Official application | Apply through the Optica application portal |
Tasks and Fellowship Benefits
Fellows will work in the US congressional environment, typically as legislative assistants for members of Congress or congressional committees. Their technical knowledge can help inform policy discussions and decision-making.
The programme provides experience in understanding government operations, communicating scientific ideas to policymakers and working with people who hold different perspectives.
Financial Support
The fellowship provides the following financial package:
- US$85,000 stipend for the fellowship.
- US$5,000 health insurance allowance.
- Up to US$3,000 for relocation expenses to the Washington, D.C., area and fellowship-related travel or training.
The relocation and related support is subject to the stated maximum; applicants should review the programme’s terms for further details.
Professional Development
The fellowship begins with an intensive AAAS orientation covering the operations of Congress and the executive branch. Fellows then participate in interviews with congressional offices to secure a placement.
This experience can help scientists and engineers build an understanding of public policy, strengthen communication skills and explore careers at the intersection of research, technology and government.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a strong record of research in optical science, technology or materials.
- Hold a PhD by the start of the fellowship in September 2027.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in applying scientific or technical knowledge to US public policy.
- Be able to work cooperatively with individuals holding diverse viewpoints.
- Be authorised to work in the United States.
- Be a member of Optica or the Materials Research Society (MRS).
US citizenship is not required, but applicants must have legal authorisation to work in the United States.
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit the following documents through the application portal:
1. Resume
The resume must be no longer than two pages and should cover education, employment history and professional activities. An optional third page may be used for professional publications and presentations. Applicants should tailor the resume to demonstrate their suitability for the fellowship.
2. Statement of Interest
Applicants must provide a statement of up to 1,000 words explaining their interest in the fellowship, career goals, potential contributions to the legislative process and what they hope to gain from the experience.
3. Three Letters of Reference
Three signed reference letters are required. They must be uploaded in PDF format on official letterhead and include an electronic or scanned signature. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all three letters are submitted before the deadline.
If a recommender experiences difficulty uploading a letter, it may be emailed to CF@optica.org.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on scientific and technical achievements, communication skills, demonstrated interest in public policy, and the ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Additional Information
Applications close on 4 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Interested candidates should prepare their resume, statement of interest and three reference letters well in advance. Applicants must log in to the application portal to access the application button.
How to apply: Visit the official Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship application portal, create or log in to an account and submit the required documents before the deadline.
For questions, contact CF@optica.org. Additional programme information is available on the Optica Congressional Fellowships website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship?
It is a one-year fellowship that allows scientists and engineers to gain experience in US public policy by working in a congressional office or committee.
2. How much does the fellowship pay?
The programme offers an US$85,000 stipend, a US$5,000 health insurance allowance and up to US$3,000 for relocation and fellowship-related travel or training.
3. Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based in Washington, D.C., United States.
4. When does the fellowship begin?
The programme starts in early September 2027 with an intensive orientation organised by AAAS.
5. What qualifications are required?
Applicants must have a strong research record in optical science, technology or materials and hold a PhD by the fellowship start date.
6. Must applicants be US citizens?
No. US citizenship is not required, but applicants must be authorised to work in the United States.
7. Is membership of Optica or MRS required?
Yes. Applicants must be members of either Optica or the Materials Research Society.
8. Which documents are required?
Applicants must submit a resume of up to two pages, an optional third page for publications and presentations, a statement of interest of up to 1,000 words, and three signed reference letters in PDF format on official letterhead.
9. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 4 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
10. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official Optica application portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Optica/MRS Congressional Fellowship is an opportunity for eligible researchers who want to apply their scientific expertise beyond academia and contribute to public policy. Its stipend, health insurance allowance and relocation support provide financial assistance during the one-year placement. Applicants should pay particular attention to the PhD requirement, professional society membership and US work authorisation rules.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Optica, MRS or AAAS and does not manage recruitment for these organisations. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application details through the official programme website.
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