Click on Apply below to start your application.

Have you ever wondered how an idea becomes a technology or product that can be deployed by the private sector?

“Technology transitions” is the dynamic process, with numerous and varying handoffs between scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, that begins with an idea that ultimately becomes a technology commercialized and deployed by the private sector (think of this as taking a technology from the test tube to a product that can be bought). Every technology follows its own unique path and requires a variety of exchanges and partnerships to advance it along the developmental spectrum. Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) provides support in each step of this process.

The Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) Entrepreneurship Program provides paid opportunities for undergraduate students to explore and contribute to advances at the intersection of business and innovative technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, computing, data science and biofuels. Students undergo intensive training as they participate at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Headquarters, national laboratories, and other OTT-approved facilities.

Why should I apply?

You will participate in and contribute to OTT mission related projects and activities under the guidance of technology transfer specialists and OTT staff.

The program aims to enhance your education and training in technology commercialization-related fields and increasing your future marketability in these disciplines. In addition, you will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of policies that will affect energy technology development and commercialization.

Benefits

• Stipend: $700 per week
• Travel: Up to $1,000 for inbound and outbound transportation expenses for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one-way
• Housing Allowance: A stipend supplement of $150 per week for interns that relocate more than fifty miles during their appointment. You will be responsible for securing your own living space and determining your means of local transportation prior to arriving at the designated hosting site. Hosting facilities may provide assistance locating appropriate housing in the local area.  In response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments may be hosted virtually.

Duration

Internships will be for 10-12 consecutive weeks beginning on or about June 1, 2022.

Review and Selection Process

Completed applications will undergo an eligibility and compliance check by ORISE. OTT may conduct interviews with candidates before making final selections.  Final selections will be made by a federal official from OTT.  ORISE will notify selected candidates.

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE Appointment Letter and Terms of Appointment.

Visit https://orise.orau.gov/ott-entrepreneurship-program/ for additional information.

About OTT

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is one of the largest supporters of technology transfer in the federal government. The Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) was established in 2015 to oversee and advance this important mission by expanding the public impact of the department’s research and development (R&D) portfolio to advance the economic, energy, and environmental interests of the nation. The office develops and implements on the Department’s policy and vision for expanding the commercial impact of its research investments, and it streamlines information and access to DOE’s National Laboratories (listing available at https://www.labpartnering.org/choosing_a_lab) and sites to foster partnerships that will move innovations from the Labs into the marketplace. OTT hosts the Lab Partnering Service (LPS) Website where one can find information on and access DOE Experts, Innovations, and Labs. This information is located at: https://www.labpartnering.org.

The Chief Commercialization Officer serves as Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, whose responsibilities include oversight of the Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF), Technology Transfer Working Group, and the coordination of technology transfer activities and best practices across the DOE complex.

OTT’s responsibility extends throughout the Department’s programs, 17 National Laboratories, and other research and production facilities located throughout the country.  The office works closely with stakeholders and personnel at all these locations to ensure the development of the best policies and to maintain awareness of the latest issues. Together, OTT works with internal and external partners to enhance the nation’s economic competitiveness and strengthen its leadership in innovation and transformative, impactful technologies that can help tackle the climate challenges of today.

Additional information about OTT’s activities is described on OTT’s website: https://www.energy.gov/technologytransitions/office-technology-transitions

Questions?

OTT-EP@orise.orau.gov

To be considered, applicants must meet each of the following criteria by the application deadline:

• Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. For non-U.S. citizens, appointments are contingent upon having a valid immigration status. Selected candidates must provide suitable documentation to verify status at the time appointment is accepted.
• Be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2022.
• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a degree in science, technology, mathematics, engineering, or business with an interest in entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. You must provide proof of enrollment at the time of application. Candidates selected for an internship appointment will be required to provide proof of enrollment for Spring term.
• Have coverage under a health insurance plan during the appointment. Selected candidate must provide proof of such coverage before the appointment start date.
• Be available to participate in a 10-12 week appointment starting on or about June 1, 2022. Length of the appointment will depend on the project assignment and mentor and candidate’s availability.

A completed application consists of:

• All required fields in the profile
• Program Specific Questions
  • Goals: Please list your personal, educational, and professional goals and interests and explain how this opportunity may enable you to achieve those. Describe any experiences or situations that you feel have influenced your interest.
  • Experience: Please list any research, technical and/or professional experience that was focused on (1) technology development; (2) technology commercialization; and (3) entrepreneurship.
  • Skills: Please list your professional/technical skills and abilities that are relevant to this opportunity, including knowledge/skills related to specialized laboratory equipment or techniques, computer hardware, software, or computer languages and/or applications.
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted. Transcript or academic records must clearly show the student name, name of the academic institution, enrollment during the current academic term, current/completed/enrolled courses, grades, most recent cumulative GPA, and degree in progress.  Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.
• A current resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Academic Recommendation - Letter should address your academic record and potential for success in an appointment, such as demonstrated intellectual merit, communication and teamwork skills. Recommendation must be submitted by Monday, January 10, 2022 8:00 am Eastern Time Zone.

Questions?

OTT-EP@orise.orau.gov

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (11 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
• Age: Must be 18 years old by 6/1/2022