Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Science and Technology Policy

Stanford University - Hoover Institution; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Relocation allowance

Stanford benefits

Job summary

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University seeks outstanding postdoctoral scholars for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, starting January 2027. This one-year fixed-term role emphasizes original, policy-relevant research at the intersection of physics, technology, and public policy.

Fellows will collaborate with renowned senior scholars, contribute to analyses intended for national decision-makers, and engage across AI, energy, and climate topics.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Ph.D. in Physics or related field by start date.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• In-residence at Stanford; relocation allowance may be available.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• One-year commitment, renewable by mutual agreement and performance.
• Full-time appointment with no major competing obligations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original, policy-relevant research in physics and related fields.
• Co-author influential policy analyses for public release and briefings to officials.
• Collaborate with Senior Fellows and external experts to study research innovation ecosystems.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary projects spanning AI, energy, climate, and tech policy.
• Organize and participate in meetings with scientists, policymakers, and industry experts.
• Assist in organizing conferences, workshops, and lectures on science policy.

Skills

Policy analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Research in physics

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Job description

Opportunity for Post-Doc Scholars

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University seeks outstanding postdoctoral scholars with expertise in physics and related scientific disciplines for appointments at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This fellowship offers early-career scientists a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy.

Selected fellows will engage in original research across critical areas including artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, energy systems, climate science, and other scientific domains that inform policy decisions. Fellows will work closely under the guidance of Hoover Senior Fellow Steven Koonin. They will have opportunities to engage and collaborate with nationally and internationally recognized Senior Fellows and researchers at the Hoover Institution, Stanford, academia, national labs, industry and government. Among the ongoing projects are a study of the U.S. research innovation ecosystem co-led by Professor Persis Drell, as well as topics in energy and climate science. There is no teaching obligation.

The position is located at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, with a start date in January 2027. The role is offered as a one-year fixed-term appointment with the potential for extension based on mutual agreement and performance.

About Stanford University's Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy-both domestic and foreign-as well as international affairs.

Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be amongst the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its missions from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas and promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

Deadline to Apply: December 1, 2026

Core Responsibilities

• Conducting original, policy-relevant research in physics and related scientific fields as they apply to technology innovation, policy for science, and science for policy
• Co-authoring and contributing to influential policy analyses intended for public release, with findings to be formally briefed to high-level government officials in Washington D.C., informing national decision-making
• Working closely with Senior Fellow Steven Koonin, Professor Persis Drell, and distinguished external experts to advance the study on the research innovation ecosystem
• Contributing to interdisciplinary research projects spanning AI, energy, climate, and emerging technologies
• Organizing and participating in meetings with leading scientists, policymakers, and industry experts across the nation
• Helping to organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and lectures on science, technology, and innovation policy

Requirements

• Must have a Ph.D. in Physics or related field by commencement of employment
• Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team
• Must be in residence at Stanford (possible moving and research allowance available)
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• One-year commitment (renewable based on mutual agreement and performance)
• Full-time commitment with no competing major professional obligations

Compensation

Salary Range: $95,000 to $125,000; a housing and relocation allowance may also be available depending on individual circumstances. The position provides full Stanford benefits.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Hoover Institution is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.