Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a part-time research fellowship with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) - Vibrotactile Interface PERformance (VIPER) Laboratory at the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers engaged in a Defense Health Agency project on spatial orientation modeling and disorientation mitigation. The research fellow will participate in generating a report for the Spatial Orientation Modeling Expert Workgroup II (SOMEW II) meeting, gaining experience in the assembly of technical materials, review of materials for accuracy, and interaction with report contributors.

Why should I apply?

In addition to having contact with some of the world’s top experts in spatial orientation modeling, spatial disorientation mitigation for air and space systems, and modeling of multisensory integration, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals while under the guidance of a mentor. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Learning about technical writing methods and standards for government reports
• Gaining experience in numerous science areas related to the human psychophysiology of flight
• Participating in the groundwork for subsequent human subject research on spatial disorientation mitigation systems

Where will I be located?

Dayton, OH (on-site participation is required)

What is the anticipated start date?

The desired start date is September 1, 2025. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About AFRL

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Airman Biosciences Division, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/. 

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (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 DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

The qualified candidate will be currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, with a preference for majors in applied areas of psychology (e.g., human factors, experimental, or industrial/organizational psychology), biomedical engineering, or human systems engineering.

Candidates must meet the requirements to gain access to Wright-Patterson AFB and pass a basic background check. A security clearance is NOT required, but qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to airforce@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity AFRL-711HPW-2025-0004 in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
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