Deadline: February 29, 2024
Applications are invited for the USAID Science for Development Fellowships (SDF) Program 2024-2026. The program is a new two-year, immersive professional development opportunity for American scientists and engineers to work at USAID and apply their expertise in science and technology and their research skills to inform and enhance the U.S. government’s international development activities and support their success.
Expanding and improving capacity for the application of science, technology, and innovation across USAID’s development sectors is vital to achieving the Agency’s broad and ambitious global development objectives. The Science for Development Fellowships (SDF) program is designed to accomplish this through three strategies:
- Increasing direct application of S&T knowledge and expertise at USAID by engaging Science for Development Fellows across the programming of the Agency.
- Strengthening the professional capabilities of participating scientists and engineers to inform, develop, and advance evidence-based practices and policies that improve international development activities and results.
- Establishing a network of higher education institutions (HEIs) committed to advancing STEMM education that contributes to creating solutions to global challenges and supports SDF to leverage the experience and skills of their STEMM graduate students, postdocs, and faculty.
Benefits
The program’s many benefits include:
- Direct experience in evidence-based federal decision-making, policy, and practice addressing global development challenges across a broad range of issues
- Skill-building trainings, mentoring, and career support for post-fellowship pursuits
- International travel to engage in USAID initiatives around the world
- Expansion of professional contacts and networks
- Competitive salary and benefits
- A path to provide valuable public service to the U.S. government that benefits our nation and people around the world
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold U.S. Citizenship (permanent residency and green card status does not qualify). SDF welcomes applicants with dual citizenship. It is important to understand that dual citizenship may lead to security clearance delays. Security clearance delays may affect the ability to begin a fellowship placement.
- The SDF program is open to individuals who hold a qualifying doctorate degree or master’s in engineering across a broad range of STEMM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math, medicine), including social sciences. Degrees in disciplines within the following broad academic fields are eligible:
- Computer and Data Sciences (including artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, data analytics)
- Engineering (for example, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, materials sciences)
- Interdisciplinary Sciences (such as climate science, environmental science, geography, international relations, oceanography, urban policy or planning)
- Life Sciences (including agriculture, biology, botany, ecology)
- Mathematical Sciences (for example, astronomy, pure and applied mathematics, statistics)
- Physical Sciences (such as chemistry, earth sciences, hydrology, physics)
- Public Health and Medicine (including dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary medicine)
- Social Sciences (for example anthropology, economics, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology)
- The qualifying degree must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on June 1, 2024. This includes any elements required for completion of the degree, such as submission of final thesis text and sign-off from doctoral committee members. Proof of completion is required.
- All male fellowship applicants must confirm that they have registered for selective service, as required of male citizens of the U.S. Government. Failure to meet the selective service requirement will result in disqualification from the SDF program.
Application
For more information, visit USAID SDF Program.
