Science Policy Intern at American Institute of Physics

Employer: American Institute of Physics

Expires: 03/08/2026

POSITION TITLE: Science Policy InternWHO WE ARE:  The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies which together have nearly 120,000 members across the globe. Founded in 1931, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our overarching strategy is to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.  We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team! SUMMARY:  AIP is looking for a Science Policy Intern to join our FYI: Science Policy News Team. AIP’s science policy news service, called FYI, is a premier source of updates on federal science agencies and legislation. Published by AIP since 1989, FYI is trusted by policymakers and prominent figures in the scientific community nationwide. At FYI, we seek to clarify policy activity and deliver nuanced insight into its impacts on the scientific community. FYI is seeking candidates for its 2026 Internship Program. Anticipated program start in March 2026. Applications are due by 11:59EST on February 22nd, 2026.  WHAT YOU’LL DO:  As an intern at FYI, you will gain valuable experience studying and writing about science policy developments in Washington, DC, and beyond.    FYI’s internship has a strong educational focus: You will be trained to write original content for FYI, including short news summaries and deep-dive articles.  You will learn to distill complex policy topics for non-specialists. You will participate in the team’s editorial planning meetings.   WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:  Interns with FYI receive a stipend for the duration of their internship. As a member of the FYI team, you’ll gain hands-on experience reporting on federal policy developments. FYI staff will coach you on our reporting and writing techniques.  If you are a scientist, this internship is the place to learn how policy impacts your work and how to write about policy in a compelling manner.  If you are a reporter, this internship is an opportunity to gain experience with a compelling beat at the nexus of science and society.  Whatever your goals, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the federal legislative process. You’ll learn how to read funding legislation and how to find stories in dense reports and bills. Finally, you’ll learn about the processes that the U.S. government uses to allocate billions of dollars in research funding each year. You’ll be exposed to the intersections of science, money, and politics.  In addition to your stipend, you’ll enjoy a positive work-life balance and a supportive staff.  WHAT YOU’LL BRING: Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student with an expected program completion date on or after December 2026. Undergraduate seniors who intend to immediately attend graduate school in the DC area in the fall will be considered.Applicants must reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. TO APPLY:  Include a resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter, tell us why you want to work with FYI and what you aim to learn by interning with us. Your letter can be short, as little as 100 words if you’re a concise writer.  You are encouraged to include how your unique goals and experience intersect with work at FYI and the American Institute of Physics.  We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description.  At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences.  COMPENSATION:   $15-$19 per hour (depending on education level)This internship is segmented into 3 sessions to align and support the academic calendar:- Spring Session: From the start of the internship until the summer session begins. Maximum of 10 hours per week.- Summer Session: Starts when the intern’s classes end in May/June and ends in early fall. Maximum of 20 hours per week.- Fall Session: Starts in September, when classes resume, and ends in mid-late December. Maximum of 10 hours per week. WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a hybrid schedule, so this role will work remotely up to 4 days per week and report to our offices in Washington, DC, 1 day per week. That one day per week is somewhat flexible, depending on the intern’s schedule for a given week. Employees are required to reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.  Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.  ABOUT AIP: Join Us and Make a Difference!At the American Institute of Physics (AIP), we're dedicated to advancing, promoting, and serving the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. We are passionate about our work and committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm thrive.Join our team and become part of an energized, forward-thinking community. Together, we'll explore the frontiers of science, support groundbreaking research, and contribute to the betterment of humanity.Be a part of AIP—where science meets passion and purpose. Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.   Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!