Click on "Apply" below to start your application today!

Contact us at dhsed@orau.org with reference code: DHS-GRF-2027-Summer if you have any questions.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate Office of University Programs sponsors the DHS Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This fellowship is designed to strengthen the nation’s scientific and technical workforce by supporting graduate education and advancing research that contributes to the safety, security, and resilience of the United States.

This unique opportunity supports the Department’s goal to develop a new generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experts who are critically important to the overall Department of Homeland Security mission.

As a participant in the Research Fellowship Program, you will participate in applied research with federal research facilities and other homeland security STEM-focused entities nationwide. You will be fully onsite or in both an onsite and virtual (on campus) environment. Designed to cultivate and increase the number of U.S. citizens trained in STEM disciplines important to homeland security, this experience will provide you with a competitive edge as you gain experience in the application of your education, talent, and skills in a variety of settings across the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE).

You will also establish connections with DHS professionals that facilitate long-term relationships between yourself, researchers, operational personnel, and research facilities.

The DHS Graduate Research Fellowship Program accepts applications from students currently pursuing a doctoral degree and those who are recent post-doctoral graduates in a STEM field relevant to DHS missions:

• Enforcing and administering immigration laws
• Securing our Land and Maritime Borders
• Safeguarding cybersecurity and financial integrity
• Countering evolving threats, terrorism, and transnational crime
• Strengthening resilience and critical infrastructure protection
• Protecting and facilitating lawful trade and travel
• Enhancing physical protection, safety, and security

Provisions

Stipend: A total of $90,000 for the 12-month appointment is provided.

Health Insurance Allowance: An allowance of up to $550 per month for the duration of the appointment.

Dislocation or Inbound/Outbound Travel: A dislocation allowance of $3,500 OR an inbound/outbound allowance up to $1,000 may be provided for eligible participants who live more than fifty miles, one-way, from the assigned hosting site and who meet other criteria

Travel Allowance: Participants will receive up to $5,000 for academic conference attendance in support of the research project, professional development, and/or other travel in support of the appointment as requested by DHS.

Nature of Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DHS, or the hosting facility. Instead, participants will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE Letter of Appointment and Terms of Appointment.

How to Apply

A completed application consists of:

• A completed Zintellect Profile
• A completed Application
• 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 with the application. Transcripts/Academic records must include name of the academic institution, name of the student, completed/in progress coursework and grades. 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. Copies of official transcripts will be required if an appointment is offered.
• Letters of Recommendation: You are required to request recommendations from a professional who can speak to your academic record and potential for success in an appointment as indicated by academic accomplishments, as well as communication and teamwork skills. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations are due no later than November 20, 2026 by 11:59pmEST (late recommendations will not be accepted and your application will not be considered). Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted. You are solely responsible for following up with your recommenders to ensure timely completion.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system to be considered. For more information, contact us at dhsed@orau.org.

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

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the research experience period.
• Be United States citizens by the application deadline. Evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Certificate of U.S. Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, must be submitted to ORISE when the award is accepted.
• Be currently pursuing a doctoral degree, or have obtained a Ph.D. within the past 12 months, in one of the designated fields of interest to DHS.
• Be a student majoring in an academic discipline related to a DHS research area.
  • Candidates selected for an appointment must provide proof of enrollment for the current academic term before their appointment begins.
• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as of the application deadline, as shown on the most current transcript. GPA requirements will be strictly enforced.
• Commit to participating in the program for the full twelve months. Full-time participation is required.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (10 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (6 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
• Age: Must be 18 years old by 6/1/2027
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 12 month(s).