The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Science, Technology and Policy Program is designed to provide opportunities for students, postgraduates, established scientists and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities that support the mission of the EERE. Participants will hold appointments at DOE-EERE Headquarters and EERE field offices. Participants will receive hands-on experience that provides them with an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of EERE.

ORISE is continuing normal program operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This opportunity will be offered as long as Department of Energy Headquarters is able to complete the onboarding process and ensure a meaningful experience to participants. We encourage you to apply and submit your application as soon as possible.  Updates to this opportunity will be provided on this page as needed.

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) (https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cell-technologies-office), situated within EERE, addresses the full range of barriers facing the deployment of innovative fuel cell and hydrogen technologies by conducting early stage research and development, as well as safety research, systems analysis, and early market learning demonstrations.

Selected candidates will join HFTO in activities critical to HFTO’s Hydrogen Storage Program mission. The research project will focus on the area of carbon fiber composite and compressed hydrogen storage tank systems within the Department of Energy’s EERE-HFTO.

Opportunities to learn and develop in the areas of carbon fiber composite and compressed hydrogen and natural gas storage tank systems include :
*Reviewing and summarizing new developments and staying current on new advancements in the field.
*Project management; Monitoring project progress and communicating with researchers to address project related questions.
*Program planning and identification of potential funding opportunities
*Writing and/or updating Program documents
*Public outreach and education of research project areas.
*Organization and participation in meetings
*Communication and coordination in  the area of Hydrogen Storage with other EERE offices, DOE programs and federal agencies.

Participant Benefits

Selected participants will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by EERE officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. Relocation expenses, not to exceed $5,000, incurred in relocating from the participant's current address to Washington, D.C. (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application), may be reimbursed. Participants will receive a travel allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

For more information about the EERE Science, Technology and Policy Program, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program

Appointment Location

Washington, DC

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 letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.

Program eligibility requirements can be found at: visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program

A PhD in Mechanical Engineering (with a concentration on strength of materials) or Polymer Science or a related area is preferred. Candidates with a PhD in other physical and materials science fields will be considered. Candidates with experience in the carbon fiber composites and compressed hydrogen and natural gas storage tank system industries will be given preference.

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
• A current resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• One academic recommendation. References are asked to describe applicant’s Scientific Capabilities and Personal Characteristics and must specify how they know the applicant.
• One Letter of Recommendation

The resume/CV must include the following:

• Basic applicant Information:  Name, address, phone, email, and other contact information.
• Work & Research Experience:  List all work and research experiences beginning with current or most recent. Include the name of the employer, location, position held, and time period involved.
• Leadership Experience:  List experiences (e.g., work, civic, volunteer, research) that demonstrate your leadership skills. Detail your role, type of experience, organization, location, and duration.
• Educational History:  List all institutions from which you received or expect to receive a degree, beginning with current or most recent institution. Include the name of the academic institution, degree awarded or expected, date of awarded or expected degree, and academic discipline.
• Honors & Awards:  List in chronological order (most recent first) any awards or public recognitions. Include the name of awarding institution, title of the award or honor, and date of award or honor.

If you have questions, please send an email to DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (6 )
  • Engineering (10 )
  • Physics (4 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age