Think tank · Policy · Sacramento, CA · Est. 1988
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established by the California Legislature in 1988 to provide independent science and technology advice to California policymakers. CCST’s stated mission is to strengthen California’s public policies with expert science and technology input, leveraging a network of partner institutions and expert convenings to produce objective assessments, reports, and policy-relevant expertise.
The organization also runs pipeline programs—most notably the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship—and newer initiatives focused on AI governance capacity in state government, including the AI Science Residency Program and a Legislative Staff Academy on Artificial Intelligence. CCST additionally operates resilience-focused programming (Disaster Resilience Initiative and its STAR Initiative) and engages with state agencies through tailored study processes, expert briefings, and convenings such as Science & Technology Week and Science Day.
Overview About the Academy CCST and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) are partnering to launch the State Staff Academy on Emerging Technologies—a first-of-its-kind professional development program designed exclusively for staff within California’
CCST Places a New AI Science Advisor at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency ServicesSACRAMENTO, Calif. —The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is expanding its AI Science Residency Program, launched in June 2026, with the placement of a new AI Science Advisor at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The AI Science Res
Register: Innovation Federalism: Can States Anchor U.S. Leadership in Emerging Technologies?Description As the federal share of U.S. research funding continues to decline, state governments are taking on new roles supporting the applied research, commercialization, and workforce development that turn discoveries into industries. As a scientific leader and home to many t
Mapping Salmon Habitat From Space: How a chance conversation grew into a partnership spanning two hemispheresBy Fernando Romero Galvan, CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow, California Department of Water Resources. California’s Central Valley was once a shifting mosaic of wetlands and floodplains, where rivers spread across the land each winter and drew back each summer. That rhythm
Director of Finance and OperationsPosition type: Full-time. Permanent position. Salary range: $105,000 – $135,000 annually. Location: Sacramento, California. Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Apply link: Apply. About CCST The California Council o
Program Associate (Science Services)Position type: This position is currently a limited-term role through December 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability. Salary range: $50,000 – $60,000 annually. Location: Sacramento, California. Deadline: Applications received by August 24th, 2026 wi
Program Associate (AI Science Residency Program)Position type: This position is currently a limited-term role through December 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability. Salary range: $50,000 – $60,000 annually. Location: Sacramento, California. Deadline: Applications received by August 24th, 2026 wi
Partnership and Impact OfficerPosition type: This position is currently a limited-term role through December 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability. Salary range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually. Location: Sacramento, California. Deadline: Applications received by August 24th, 2026 wi
Policy Engagement OfficerPosition type: This position is currently a limited-term role through December 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability. Salary range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually. Location: Sacramento, California. Deadline: Applications received by August 24th, 2026 wi
Chief of StaffPosition type: Full-time. Permanent position. Salary range: $85,000 – $110,000 annually. Location: Sacramento, California. Deadline: Applications received by August 24th, 2026 will be prioritized for review. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply link:
Senior AI Fellow at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency ServicesPosition type: Up to 2 positions, limited-term, full-time from September 2026 to August 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability and programmatic need. Salary range: $120,000 to $150,000 annually, dependent on expertise and experience. Location: Sacram
Senior AI Fellow at the California Department of TechnologyUpdate 7/24/2026: This position has been re-posted, all previously received applications remain under consideration. Position type: Up to 2 positions, limited-term, full-time from September 2026 to August 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability and pr
CCST announces an additional AI Science Advisor joining Cal OES under the AI Science Residency Program expansion.
CCST Completes Final Report in Multi-Part Fumigant Alternatives Study, Examining Methyl Bromide and MITC GeneratorsCCST announces completion of a final phase of a multi-part fumigant alternatives study focused on methyl bromide and MITC generators, in work associated with DPR.
CCST Launches California AI Science Residency Program on Frontier AI Safety with Appointment of First AI Science Advisors to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Department of TechnologyCCST announces the launch of its AI Science Residency Program, placing initial AI Science Advisors in Cal OES and CDT to advise on frontier AI safety and risk management.
Recap: CCST Science & Technology Week 2026CCST recap of its 9th annual Science & Technology Week (March 2–6, 2026), including a partnership forum and programming spanning AI and climate action.
A Message from CCST’s New Board Chair, Dr. Andy McIlroyMessage by newly appointed Board Chair Andy McIlroy describing CCST’s strategic initiatives and focus areas as outlined in its strategic plan.
Announcing the 2026 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public ServiceCCST announces 2026 recipients of its Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service (Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Senator Jerry McNerney, and GO-Biz Director Dee Dee Myers).