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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology and Policy (STP) Program serves as a next step in the educational and professional development of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities to participate in policy-related projects at DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) in Washington, D.C.  Participants will become part of a group of highly-trained scientists and engineers with the education, background, and experience to be part of the workforce that supports the DOE's mission in the future.

As an ORISE participant, you will serve as a technical resource to the Assistant Secretary and NE Senior Advisors with opportunities to learn how to develop briefing materials, formulate Congressional inquiries, draft testimony, and support policy development on nuclear energy-related issues. You will have opportunities to enhance quantitative and qualitative reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills. You will also be learning and engaging in the following activities:

• Supporting specific initiatives related NE policy and research activities as directed.
• Research and document state, local government, utility, and public utility commission policies and best practices to enhance NE’s goals. 
• Interface with NE program offices to learn how they execute NE mission through the research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects.
• Present at technical conferences and events to solicit stakeholder feedback on program activities

For more information about the Office of Nuclear Energy, please visit https://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by NE. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. NE may authorize a stipend increase to offset the costs of health insurance. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance plans offered through ORISE.  A relocation allowance may be provided for participants relocating to Washington, D.C.  Participants may receive an allowance for education and/or scientific activities as approved by NE.

Appointment Location

Washington, D.C.

Anticipated start date

NE is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and appointments will be offered as qualified candidates are identified.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of NE and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full-time based on 40-hours a week.

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.

Applicants must have received or expect to complete all requirements for a bachelor, master's or doctoral degree by the anticipated start date. Applicants currently pursuing a degree must provide proof of completion of all degree requirements before the appointment start date. 

Summary of Desired Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the commercial nuclear energy industry, domestic and international.
• Strong understanding of U.S. electricity markets and impact to the nuclear energy sector.
• Doctoral degree and/or experience in one or more technical areas such as nuclear engineering, materials science, advanced mechanical design, energy technologies, and hazardous waste management. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate with a variety of departmental organizations, interagency partners, Congress, and stakeholders. 
• Ability to coordinate and work to build consensus between government organizations to advance Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy objectives.
• Ability to reprioritize assignments to meet immediate and unexpected deadlines.

How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile and responses to opportunity specific questions
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, and relevant experiences
• Educational or professional recommendations
• Academic Records - 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.
• One (1) Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from a professional who can speak to your abilities and potential for success as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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.

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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
  • Physics (16 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age