The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is a research and policy organization dedicated to advancing knowledge about markets, institutions, and human flourishing. Its Emerging Scholars Program supports rising classical liberal thinkers and helps them develop the research, communication and public-engagement skills needed to contribute to major policy and cultural debates.
About the Position
The Mercatus Center is accepting applications for two Future of Scientific Discovery Emerging Scholar positions in Arlington, Virginia. The full-time opportunity is designed for researchers and subject-matter experts interested in exploring the future of scientific discovery, technological change and the institutions that shape scientific research.
The two successful candidates will undertake a substantial research project while examining scientific discovery through perspectives including institutional design, incentives, governance, innovation and human flourishing.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Competitive Salary
$80,000 – $150,000 per year
Comprehensive Benefits
Health, dental, unlimited PTO, insurance, 403(b)
Intensive Training
10-week communications training
Mentorship
Two mentors + weekly seminars
Research Freedom
Develop substantial research project
Public Impact
Translate research for broader audiences
Prestigious Institution
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Research Focus
Research Area
Description
Institutions and Norms
Governing scientific research
Science Funding
Funding mechanisms and incentive structures
Regulatory Frameworks
Affecting scientific research and innovation
AI and Emerging Technologies
In scientific research
Emerging Tools
Impact on biological and physical sciences
New Scientific Frontiers
Enabled by discoveries, instruments, analytical frameworks
Innovation Ecosystems
Technological change
Moral and Civic Implications
Of accelerating scientific discovery
Societal Effects
Scientific advances on individuals and society
Research and Professional Development
Component
Description
Research Project
Develop substantial research project
Public-Facing Content
Written work or multimedia outputs
Weekly Seminar
Work-in-progress seminar
Policy Discussion Group
Engage in policy debates
Individual Meetings
Regular meetings with programme leadership
Communications Training
10-week intensive training sequence
Communications Training
Training Area
Description
Professional Writing
Public-facing writing
Personal Branding
Building professional identity
Public Speaking
Effective presentations
Media Engagement
Working with media
Podcasting
Audio content creation
Design
Visual communication
Other Formats
Various public communication forms
Mentorship Opportunities
Component
Description
Assigned Mentors
Two mentors per scholar
Additional Mentorship
Based on research interests
Programme Leadership
Rebecca Lowe, Director of Emerging Scholars
Intellectual Community
Mercatus research working groups
Candidate Profile
Criteria
Requirements
Subject-Matter Depth
Significant expertise in relevant area
Research Agendas
Ability to develop research agenda
Public Communication
Prepared to communicate to technical and policy audiences
Engagement
Interested in institutions, incentives, governance, scientific progress
Salary and Employee Benefits
Benefit
Description
Annual Salary
$80,000 – $150,000
Health Coverage
Full health and dental
Paid Time Off
Unlimited PTO
Disability Insurance
Long-term disability
Life Insurance
Life insurance coverage
Retirement
403(b) retirement savings programme
Parking/Travel
Parking and travel benefits
Tuition Credits
12 free credits per year at George Mason University
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Prepare cover letter and resume
2
Submit through Mercatus online application process
3
Cover letter must indicate interest in Mercatus mission
Health/dental, unlimited PTO, 403(b), tuition credits, and more.
Q9. What documents are required?
Cover letter and resume.
Q10. How to apply?
Online through Mercatus application portal.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Future of Scientific Discovery Emerging Scholars Program offers a prestigious opportunity for researchers and subject-matter experts to explore the intersection of scientific discovery, technological change, and public policy. With a competitive salary range of $80,000–$150,000, comprehensive benefits, and intensive communications training, the program is designed to help scholars develop their research agendas and public engagement skills.
The mentorship structure, weekly seminars, and policy discussion groups provide a supportive intellectual environment for scholars to refine their work and expand their influence beyond academic audiences.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Researchers
Yes
Subject-Matter Experts
Yes
Science Policy Scholars
Yes
Innovation Policy Experts
Yes
Technology Policy Professionals
Yes
Academic Researchers
Yes
Policy Analysts
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Fellowship Value
Excellent
Career Growth
Very High
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Future of Scientific Discovery Emerging Scholars Program 2026–2027.
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