DOST’s S&T Fellows Program is looking for 33 science experts to serve in PH

The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Science and Technology (S&T) Fellows Program, which is now in its second year of implementation is calling for applications, looking for 33 science experts.

According to DOST, the program offers competitive compensation and hopes to attract MS and PhD graduates.

The agency mentioned that this was done to address issues such as science experts with extensive skills and experience going for an opportunity in abroad instead of working here in the country, a challenge that the government is faced with.

The call for applications is now open with the following qualifications:

• 17 S&T Fellow I – at least 3 years of relevant R&D experience after MS graduation
• 11 S&T Fellow II – at least 5 years of relevant R&D experience after MS graduation
• 5 S&T Fellow III – PhD graduate with at least 10 years of relevant R&D experience

DOST said that it is looking for experts in the following fields of specialization: radio frequency and wireless communications systems, blockchain technology, data and food science, environmental science, computer engineering, nanotechnology, material science and engineering, virology, geochemistry, health technology assessment or economics, among others.

The S&T Fellows Program continues to engage highly qualified and skilled Filipino researchers referred to as ‘S&T Fellows’ to lead research and development (R&D) projects and programs in their respective fields of expertise.

Dr. Thomas Neil Pascual, a former Balik Scientist and now an S&T Fellow assigned at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) is making strides in contributing to the establishment of the first Nuclear Medicine Center of PNRI. The Center hopes to help in providing affordable diagnosis and treatment for cancer.

“I’ve always believed in the brilliance of our Filipino scientists and it is only fitting that we create opportunities and encourage them to work in the country,” said DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr.

“By encouraging our researchers, scientists, and engineers to work in the government, we are not only building a stronger workforce but also cultivating a rich scientific community dedicated to nation building,” he added.

The S&T Fellows Program aims to increase and strengthen the R&D human resource complement of the DOST. The S&T Fellows are expected to participate in the conceptualization, policy and funding development, and monitoring and evaluation of various R&D programs and projects.

These initiatives would then generate more outputs with nationwide social and economic impact such as partnerships, people services, publications, patents, products, and policies.