Data Analysis & Statistics Research Opportunities with NSF

Organization
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Reference Code
NSF-NCSES-2021-0001
How to Apply

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

Click on Apply now to start your application.

Description
  • Are you looking for real world experience in cutting edge research from the world's premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise?
  • Do you want to learn from top researchers and subject matter experts in data analysis, statistics, economics, science policy, research and more?
  • Do you want to develop skills within and outside of your field of study and interest and earn a competitive edge?
  • Do you want to network with your peers, travel, and participate in educational events?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program is for you!

The National Science Foundation (NSF), National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) provides policy makers and the public high-quality information on the science and engineering enterprise—a role NCSES has held for more than half a century. NCSES collects and provides data on research and development (R&D); the science and engineering workforce; competitiveness in science, engineering, technology, and R&D; and the condition and progress of STEM education in the United States. With the continued rise and expansion of the knowledge and innovation economy, the Center’s work in designing and carrying out national data collection efforts and developing indicators and analysis on relevant topics in these areas has increased in importance.

Where will I be located? Alexandria, VA (Washington D.C. area).

In response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, NSF NCSES may modify their operation schedule and access to facilities to ensure the health and safety of their entire workforce while maintaining operational effectiveness. Hence, the appointment date and location are subject to change contingent on NSF NCSES guidelines and may result in a virtual placement.

What will I be doing?

As a participant with the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program, you will have the opportunity to explore a federal career with NSF and gain a competitive edge as you apply your education, talent and skills in a variety of settings within NCSES. Opportunities are available for a variety of NCSES focus areas.   

Activities may include, but are not limited to, 

  • Interpreting data and analyzing results using appropriate methods, techniques, and visualizations;
  • Practice identifying, analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing trends and patterns in complex data sets;
  • Gaining knowledge of state-of-the-art statistical, analytical, and visualization methods and techniques through reading, meetings with federal and non-federal researchers and analysts, and participation in professional meetings.

You may also have the opportunity to make use of, support, and improve key NCSES and National Science Board products such as Science and Engineering Indicators; the National Patterns of R&D Resources; the Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering Report; and the Annual Business Survey.

Participant Benefits

Selected participants will receive a competitive stipend for living and other expenses during this appointment as determined by NCSES. Stipends are determined by participant's academic standing, discipline, and experience.

Participants may also be eligible to receive

  • Health insurance allowance,
  • Reimbursement for travel expenses, and
  • Travel/training allowance for professional development and travel to professional meetings, such as conferences.

Duration

Appointments vary by project, including summer internships and part-time appointments. Fellowships are for one year and may be extended based upon project needs and funding 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 appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

To learn more about the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program, visit https://orise.orau.gov/ncses/

Qualifications

Opportunities with NCSES are open to students, recent graduates, and faculty as well as applicants with technical or research post-degree experience in a field related to the NCSES mission.

To qualify for this opportunity you must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
  • Be currently pursuing or have received an Associate's degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master's degree, or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university.

U.S. citizenship is not required for participation in the program. However, depending on the research project, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence may be required. 

Application and Selection Process

Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing and as needed basis. Subsequent selection process stages may include telephone or in-person interview with the applicant and mentor. For more information about the selection process, visit https://orise.orau.gov/ncses/ and scroll to the "Appointment Details" section.

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to NSF-NCSES@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

A complete application consists of:

  • Complete Zintellect profile
  • Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity.
  • Current Resume/CV
  • Academic Records: The applicant must submit records for the most recent degree or degree in progress. Unofficial transcripts or copies of academic records provided by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted.
  • 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. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted.  Recommendation must be submitted before an offer is made.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Business (11 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (3 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (4 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (7 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
ORISE
ORISE ORISE GO
ORISE

The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!