POST Fellows have the opportunity to work at the intersection of research and policy.
Every year, we fund successful applicants to undertake a 3-month fellowship with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). The scheme has been running since 2011 and aims to help later-stage PhD students and recent PhD graduates to gain experience in writing briefings, participating in new research projects and building relationships. Working at the Palace of Westminster, Nuffield POST Fellows gain a unique insight into the fundamentals of policymaking.
What is POST?
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology is a cross-house research body within the UK parliament that bridges research and policy. It was set up in 1989 with support from the Nuffield Foundation and its work includes:
- Producing impartial briefings that inform the work of MPs and Peers
- Organising parliamentary horizon scanning activities
- Supporting Select Committees.
The fellowships are a key part of POST’s work and there are several fellowship schemes run in collaboration with a variety of organisations.
What does a POST fellow do?
Fellows are provided with a subject focus that sits outside of their PhD specialism to equip them with new skills as they research, draft and consult on briefing material on a priority policy area for parliament. In some cases, fellows assist Select Committees on an inquiry or event.
Toward the end of their placement, fellows are expected to write an analysis of their topic, known as a POSTnote, or to produce a POSTbrief – a detailed briefing in response to related events or Select Committee inquiries. These publications are disseminated within Parliament.
Fellows receive support from a dedicated POST staff member who act as supervisors, as well as the wider team.
Read about Devyani Gajjar’s and Katerina Mentzou’s experiences.
Nuffield POST Fellowships
The Foundation funds up to five fellows every year. Research topics are selected by a cross-party committee of parliamentarians and are primarily driven by the policy agenda. Foundation staff take an active role in reviewing candidates and shaping assigned subjects to align them with our priorities. Successful applicants are awarded a grant of £7,000 to cover their PhD stipend, travel, relocation and other essential costs.
A team member from the Foundation or one of its centres will act as a liaison for each fellow. They will help to form the exact brief, offer ongoing support and provide feedback on draft material. Fellows are often invited to the Foundation office to meet the rest of our staff, connect with relevant grant-holders, learn about funded research that may be relevant to their topic area, and to speak with current or past POST Fellows.
Previously, Nuffield POST Fellows have published briefings on topics including assisted dying, public health and climate change and the impact of sleep on health. Some of our past fellows have also worked with All Party Parliamentary Groups, given evidence to Joint Committees, and helped Select Committee inquiries.
Do you want to apply?
The next application round opens on 5th October and closes 5th November. The Fellowship is open to any PhD student not in their first year of study, or anyone who completed their PhD within 12 months of 5th October. You must have studied in a natural, scientific, or social science field.
