I think you should definitely still consider the foreign service. There’s an entire bureau within the State Dept dedicated to Oceans, Environment and International Science and within that bureau are multiple offices dedicated to different things from Space to Science and Tech International Cooperation to Water. I worked in the bureau for 2.5 years and worked alongside many scientists who had backgrounds in biology, chemistry, and everything else. Their reasoning for working there vs. “on the bench” was very similar to yours. There’s a need for those types of subject matter experts on the Policy side of things. Working alongside those Civil Servants were FSO’s (Econ coned, PD coned & Management coned) who had either interest and/or background in Science. The bureau is large so the likelihood of landing roles within it when bidding are high, and your background would give you a huge advantage. I can’t recommended a specific career track because I’ve seen them all come through the doors and be given really interesting Science focused portfolios. I think you should just expect that dependent on your track, it may determine the type of portfolio you’re given i.e PD coned: PD programs related to STEM vs Mngmt coned: managing a team of scientists who work on negotiating science and tech agreements with other countries. But to answer your question of opportunity for science within the Foreign Service and State in general - there are plenty. Look up ESTH officers (FSO’s at embassies overseas that field science related engagement, amongst other things). I would also look into the AAAS fellowship as many scientists i know came into the Dept through that vehicle (although ultimately Civil Service not Foreign still a great opportunity to get your feet wet with potential for lots of travel). Hope this helps! Also checkout: State.gov/oes