A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional references

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

If you have questions, send an email to USDOT@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Are you ready to bring transformative change to Federal information production and distribution techniques? Here is a chance to influence and improve the effectiveness of data at the national level by simplifying complex problems with data and visuals that convey information in new, understandable ways. Take an appointment with our team as we lead the creation of new national transportation data information products in the era of big data, and where you build new stories about transportation and implement innovative analysis through data journalism.   

In coordination with our Director of Public Affairs and our lead Visual Information Specialist, the participant will learn to use data journalism to build new data stories and information products for BTS to publish to the world.    

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn to use, adapt and transform data and data analysis to provide new stories about transportation. The participant will learn to craft aviation, economic, freight, passenger, vehicle, and ship data into meaningful information for the public. The participant will learn to design and build innovative, new stories that capture emerging areas of transportation.

The participant will have the opportunity to develop close collaborations with other U.S. Department of Transportation offices, and other Federal agencies that maintain data and analytical capabilities, which can aid in the understanding of the transportation industry. The participant will be involved in inter-agency efforts relating to the development and improvement of information production and distribution, and will conduct research on existing and emerging technologies, processes and approaches that can be used to enhance the storytelling of transportation and then implement this research with new products and techniques.

Who are we? We are the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Office of Spatial Analysis and Visualization (OSAV). The BTS is the Principal Federal Statistical Agency that provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment. BTS is recognized as the pre-eminent source of airline data as well as freight data for the United States.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DOT. The initial appointment is for 12 months but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOT and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive an annual stipend of approximately $95,000 commensurate with educational level and experience, in additional to a health insurance supplement of $4,800; professional development allowance of $2,500, and a relocation allowance of $2,000. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time in the Washington, DC area. Participants do not become employees of DOT, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Desired Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2019.  Start date is flexible.

The qualified candidate must have received a master's degree in the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within three years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Demonstrated ability to transform information and data into articles, blogs, briefs, documents, reports, and similar products that tell a compelling story;
• Demonstrated ability to work with and connect multiple data systems and sources;
• Experience analyzing data to identify patterns and trends;
• Experience presenting results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform next steps;
• Experience with data tools and techniques, including the application of modern programming languages and open source software.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills;
• Ability to work across various offices and work units to obtain information, collaborate on data-related projects, and validate findings and conclusions;
• Ability to work with subject matter experts to identify and mitigate data limitations;
• A self-starter with the ability to perform with limited supervision and changing outcome goals;
• Knowledge of U.S. transportation systems;
• Experience working with forecast data and information a plus,
• Experience with statistical analysis and econometric modeling a plus

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 36 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • 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 (5 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )