A complete application package consists of:

• An application
• Cover Letter/Statement of Interest
• Writing Sample (3-5 pages on topic of choice)
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.
• A current resume/CV

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

An internship with the Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP) is available for a graduate student to work on a diverse array of projects that may include promoting resilient infrastructure design, identifying ways to help partners adapt infrastructure to prepare for the impacts of climate change, understanding the dependencies of cyber and physical infrastructure, and bolstering our voluntary public-private partnerships. The intern will provide support to a wide variety of strategic planning and policy development activities and support partnership building efforts. The intern will use his or her research and analytic skills, knowledge, and experience to support key strategic initiatives.

Specific opportunities to engage may include:

• Conducting and participating in strategic-level research and analysis to support understanding the needs of private and public sector critical infrastructure owners and operators;
• Reviewing previously completed IP assessments and evaluating whether options for consideration have been incorporated;
• Conducting regional infrastructure research and community profiles on infrastructure interdependencies;
• Measuring the success of critical infrastructure security and resilience initiatives;
• Supporting IP’s ongoing effort to implement the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP, 2013 edition) by identifying innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement with critical infrastructure sectors;
• Developing an internal subject matter expertise in cross-sector and sector-specific critical infrastructure challenges and opportunities; and
• Serving as a liaison between IP and the academic community to identify promising new ideas, monitor relevant studies, and maintain appropriate situational awareness.

Specific assignments will be made based on applicant qualifications and strategic priorities.

Location: Arlington, VA (Washington, DC area)

The mission of the Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP) is to lead the national effort to protect critical infrastructure from all hazards by managing risk and enhancing resilience through collaboration with the critical infrastructure community.  In order to accomplish this mission, IP is an organization that promotes secure and resilient critical infrastructure across the Nation through sound risk management, collaboration, information sharing, innovation, effective program management, and a highly skilled work force.

The intern should expect to devote 15 to 20 hours per week to internship projects. The intern will receive a stipend of $400 per week if he/she is pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree. College credits may be arranged with the internship mentor upon request of the student and satisfactory completion of the program.

Please note the following:

• The internship is part-time for 12 to 16 weeks, not to exceed 300 hours or 120 days.
• The internship is contingent on the participant’s ability to meet the necessary security requirements in order to access DHS facilities and systems.
• The participant will receive a stipend every two weeks.
• The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.
• The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with DHS or its affiliates. No commitment with regards to future employment should be inferred or expected by the offer or acceptance of this internship.

This program is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

DHS has partnered with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) to manage this internship.

• U.S. Citizen
• Enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. university at the time of application. Proof of enrollment will be requested at the time the offer is accepted.
• Currently pursuing a Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, or other advanced degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Minimum overall GPA: 3.0
• At least 18 years old by the application deadline.

IP is interested in applicants who are passionate about public service, intellectually curious, driven to succeed, and excited to make an impact during their internship. Due to the diverse array of projects, we do not require applicants to have pursued specific academic disciplines. However, we encourage applicants with the following expertise to apply:

• Political science and government
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Infrastructure Protection
• Risk, Economics, and Decision Sciences
• Civil engineering
• Decision Science
• Engineering sciences, mechanics, physics
• Environmental engineering
• Business administration or management

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills and abilities through his or her academic and/or professional experience:

• Flexible and adaptable work style;
• Strong written communication skills;
• Ability to work in a fast paced, team-oriented environment;
• Ability to think strategically;
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Strong critical thinking and logical reasoning skills;
• Ability to develop constructive and innovative ideas and recommend those ideas to leadership;
• Experience using quantitative and qualitative analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to conduct complex, multifaceted studies;
• Ability to learn quickly and to work under tight deadlines;
• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (2 )
  • Engineering (5 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )