Fellowships and Research Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Integrated Energy Systems Office (IESO) hosts several term-limited fellowships to support its mission.

ORISE Science and Technology Fellowships

The application deadline for this opportunity is July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM E.T. All recommendations must be received by 11:59 PM E.T. on August 5, 2026. The application review process may take approximately 3-4 months. 

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Science and Technology Fellowships offer early-career professionals the opportunity to learn about the federal government and its role in advancing a resilient, integrated, and affordable energy future. Fellows contribute their expertise to energy research by guiding strategy, designing funding programs, and managing IESO-funded projects in the following areas:

  • Advanced solar photovoltaic technologies 
  • Wind energy technologies
  • Solar heat for industrial processes 
  • Thermal energy systems 
  • Grid integration technologies 
  • Distributed energy technologies 
  • Interconnection innovation 
  • Permitting and environmental impact reduction 
  • Cross-cutting analysis and program impact evaluation 
  • Energy materials and recycling
  • Manufacturing and technology transfer 
  • Communications, graphic design, and stakeholder engagement

Past fellows have achieved successful careers in a variety of permanent positions in industry, academia, and government.

Eligibility

Candidates are selected for their strong technical and/or analytical backgrounds according to their education level and work experience. Prior experience with solar, wind, or other energy resources is not required for this opportunity. IESO prefers candidates with backgrounds including, but not limited to, physical and natural sciences, social science, engineering, public administration, entrepreneurship, and community work, and others with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, as well as established professionals with relevant post-degree experience. Candidates must have U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident (Green Card) status. For questions about the application process, email DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov.

Benefits

The ORISE fellowship offers competitive compensation. While exact stipends vary based on relevant work experience, fellows with degrees can expect the following compensation: bachelor’s $70,000; master’s $77,000; Ph.D. $102,000. More compensation may be offered to established professionals with significant work experience.

The fellowship includes health and dental insurance, a local transportation stipend, federal holidays and paid leave, a $10,000 research/travel allowance, and relocation reimbursement of up to $5,000 for those outside the Washington, D.C. area. Retirement benefits are not included. Successful fellows may be offered a second-year extension with a pay raise and cost-of-living adjustment. 

AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowships are designed to establish and nurture critical links between federal decision-makers and scientific professionals. Fellows contribute their knowledge and analytical skills while learning first-hand about policymaking. As a hosting organization, IESO offers opportunities for fellows to work with key stakeholders to transform the future of energy.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a doctoral level degree in a qualified discipline or an M.S. in engineering with three years of professional engineering experience. Participants must be U.S. citizens or dual citizens of the United States and another country.

AAAS only accepts online application submissions. The online application system opens in early August every year with an application deadline of early November. Selected applicants begin their fellowship in September.

Energy Innovator Fellowship Program

The Energy Innovator Fellowship Program recruits energy professionals and recent graduates to work with critical energy organizations to advance energy solutions. Selected applicants spend up to two years supporting the work of eligible host organizations, which include electric public utility commissions, municipal and cooperative utilities, and grid operators.

The Energy Innovator Fellowship Program is administered by ORISE. Please submit any questions about the application process to eif@doe.gov.