Fellowship at Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology, and Policy Program is designed to provide opportunities for students, postgraduates, and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply their scientific, policy, and technical knowledge to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE, and continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related appointment. 

About the Office of Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)

ARPA-E is looking for the next generation of scientists and engineers to help direct the future of American energy innovation. We are looking for creative thinkers to participate in the most pressing and exciting challenges in energy. During the appointment period at ARPA-E headquarters in Washington D.C., Fellows conduct independent research and analysis into technological whitespaces, contribute to new program development, and engage with innovators in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, start-ups, and government. Fellows will participate in furthering ARPA-E’s mission of developing transformational energy technologies.   

ARPA-E brings together top minds in energy research, development, and commercialization to change what’s possible. One quality that stretches across this spectrum of backgrounds and talents is a commitment to making an impact—enhancing the United States’ economic competitiveness, energy security, and environment.

ARPA-E invests in creative, out-of-the-box, and transformational energy technologies that may not be ready for significant private investment. De-risking these potential high-impact technologies at key make-or-break points early in the development cycle is the foundational mission of ARPA-E. The agency targets the nascent technologies that stand to transform America’s energy landscape. 

Since its founding in 2009, ARPA-E has funded hundreds of projects in diverse subject areas, including reimagining electrical generation and grid technologies, engineering useful new materials, and finding innovative ways to transform America's transportation infrastructure, to name a few.

At the heart of ARPA-E’s success is its people. Program Directors, Tech-to-Market Advisors, and Fellows come from universities, industry, startups, and the public sector to redefine our nation’s approach to energy innovation. 

For more information, visit Career | arpa-e.energy.gov.

What will I be doing? 

During the fellowship period, you may: 

• Identify technological white spaces and conduct independent techno-economic research and analysis.
• Communicate findings internally at ARPA-E as well as at external meetings and conferences.
• Develop original technical content for the annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit.
• Publish research papers, reviews, and/or perspective articles.
• Contribute to new program development by participating alongside Program Directors.
• Attend program kickoffs, workshops, annual reviews, and site visits to current project teams.
• Learn to review proposals for existing funding opportunities.
• Source new ideas and project teams for potential future funding opportunities.
• Participate in guiding agency strategy by actively engaging in technical discussions and participating in a host of ARPA-E events.
• Participate in outreach activities and support a broad range of ARPA-E initiatives on an ad hoc basis.
• Engage with researchers in academia, industry, and government as well as business professionals at start-ups and large corporations. 

Prior experience in energy-related research and/or commercialization is not required. ARPA-E Fellows do not perform laboratory research or directly engage in policymaking.

Duration

Fellowships are initially selected for a one-year appointment and can be extended based on funding and project availability. 

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.