About the opportunity
The Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship Program is a two-year service and training program designed for early-career public health professionals. Housed within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and managed by the UW Population Health Institute, the program places fellows in community, nonprofit, governmental, or health-service organizations across Wisconsin to tackle pressing public health challenges. Through a curriculum focused on systems thinking, collaborative leadership, and strengthening public health practice, fellows build capacity and advance public health efforts while receiving mentorship from experienced preceptors.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary of $58,000
- Term of appointment from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2029
- 176 hours of vacation per year and 96 hours of sick leave per year
- 8 hours of pay for observed legal holidays
- Comprehensive benefit packages including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, spending accounts, and retirement plans
- Eligibility for University of Wisconsin paid parental leave under Post Degree Training appointees holding the position of Research Intern
- Professional development funds of $1,800 per year
Who can apply?
- Applicants must hold a master's or doctoral degree in public health or an allied discipline prior to the start date of the appointment (July 1, 2027)
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as the fellowship does not provide visa sponsorships (new or transfers)
Required documents
- Applicant CV or resume (maximum of 3 pages)
- Transcripts from graduate program(s) (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
- Statement of Interest (Essay 1, maximum 750 words) detailing qualifications, accomplishments desired over the two-year term, career goals, interest in the fellowship, and interest in working in Wisconsin
- Health Equity Essay (Essay 2, maximum 250 words) discussing a broader issue or policy impacting health outcomes and the role you hope to play as a public health leader
- Names and email addresses of two letter writers (letters must be submitted directly by recommenders through a separate Qualtrics form)
When to apply
- Applications open on October 15, 2026
- Application deadline is January 10, 2027
- Virtual Zoom information sessions are held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Central Time, and Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Central Time
- Application review takes place in late January and early February 2027
- Interviews are typically conducted over Zoom in February 2027
- Cohort offers and finalization occur around early March 2027
How to apply
- Attend a virtual Zoom information session to learn more about the program (optional)
- Prepare required documents including your CV/resume, transcripts, and two essays
- Provide contact details for two letter writers and share the reference submission link with them
- Submit your application via the online Qualtrics application form by January 10, 2027
- Ensure letter writers submit their letters via the separate Qualtrics form by January 10, 2027
Additional information
- The program matches fellows with placement sites based on mutual goals, topic interests, and geographic preferences
- Placement sites include local and tribal health departments, state governmental public health agencies, and community-based nonprofits across Wisconsin
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career professionals holding a master's or doctoral degree in public health or a related field who want hands-on leadership experience
- Individuals committed to advancing health equity and addressing systemic public health challenges within community or governmental settings
- Applicants seeking structured professional mentorship combined with a dedicated curriculum in systems thinking and collaborative leadership
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must already possess legal work authorization in the United States, as visa sponsorship is not available
- The placement sites are located across Wisconsin, requiring willingness to work within the state
- The fellowship requires a strict two-year commitment spanning from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2029
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship provides an immersive bridge between graduate studies and professional public health leadership, offering robust financial support, practical experience, and a strong alumni network that facilitates long-term career growth.
Our take
Graduates in public health or allied disciplines who are legally authorized to work in the United States and eager to drive community health initiatives in Wisconsin should strongly consider applying before the January 10, 2027 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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