Science Policy jobs for a PhD Chemist

[Anonymous]

I am currently a graduate student in a chemistry PhD program (I specialize in bioorganic chemistry), and as I progress through my program I have started looking into alternative careers aside from the traditional academia or industry routes. I have become interested in the idea of doing science policy because I have always been interested in politics and law (I used to think I wanted to be lawyer, but I fell in love with chemistry in college and had the intention of becoming a research professor...for a variety of reasons this is looking less and less appealing). Since virtually all of the jobs in this area are based out of D.C., I thought I'd give this forum a try and ask for advice on how one breaks into this field. My advisor knows nothing about it.

I have considered going to law school after I get my PhD to go into patent law for the biotechnology sector, but more school after 9+ years of higher education is looking pretty unappealing (other factors include a reticence about taking on educational debt and wanting to start a family in the next few years without more stages before I receive that "real job"). I would also be interested in hearing about people's experience with careers in biotechnology consulting.

I noticed there are a number of fellowships through the ACS, AAAS, NSF, etc. that fund one year stints as a science and technology policy fellow. Does anyone know how competitive these fellowships are? Are they riddled with financial/tax issues like graduate and postdoctoral fellowships are (not considered "earned income" so you are ineligible for certain tax credits, IRA contributions, etc.) Is it a good way to eventually get set up with more permanent positions at agencies like the NSF, consulting firms, and/or think tanks?

Thanks!