A complete application consists of:

• An application
• 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 may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
• A current resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• One academic recommendation. References are asked to describe applicant’s Scientific Capabilities and Personal Characteristics and must specify how they know the applicant.

The resume/CV must include the following:

• Basic applicant Information:  Name, address, phone, email, and other contact information.
• Work & Research Experience:  List all work and research experiences beginning with current or most recent. Include the name of the employer, location, position held, and time period involved.
• Leadership Experience:  List experiences (e.g., work, civic, volunteer, research) that demonstrate your leadership skills. Detail your role, type of experience, organization, location, and duration.
• Educational History:  List all institutions from which you received or expect to receive a degree, beginning with current or most recent institution. Include the name of the academic institution, degree awarded or expected, date of awarded or expected degree, and academic discipline.
• Honors & Awards:  List in chronological order (most recent first) any awards or public recognitions. Include the name of awarding institution, title of the award or honor, and date of award or honor.

If you have questions, please send an email to DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.

The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), provides the overall planning, management, and direction necessary for a balanced program of technology research, development, test, analysis, evaluation, and communication, with a focus on providing low-cost, secure, efficient and clean energy technologies to move people and goods across America. Last year, trucks transported 11 billion tons of goods, and people traveled over 3 trillion vehicle-miles. Growing our economy requires moving more people and more goods more efficiently, saving consumers and businesses money on their transportation costs. VTO represents and provides the national leadership in advanced vehicle technologies for the formulation and execution of national energy programs. Innovations across the VTO portfolio of advanced batteries and electrification, co-optimized engines and fuels, materials for light-weighting vehicle structures, and energy efficient mobility systems and technologies are key to a maximum mobility, minimum energy future. In addition, integrated systems analysis provides a critical underpinning of data and deep understanding of the potential impacts of technologies across the VTO portfolio.

ORISE is continuing normal program operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This opportunity will be offered as long as Department of Energy Headquarters is able to complete the onboarding process and ensure a meaningful experience to participants. We encourage you to apply and submit your application as soon as possible.  Updates to this opportunity will be provided on this page as needed.

The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) supports a variety of work to lower the cost and increase the convenience of Plug-In Electric Vehicles. VTO is collaborating with national laboratories and industry to improve batteries and electric drive systems. VTO's Batteries, Charging, and Electric Vehicles program aims to research new battery chemistry and cell technologies that can:

• Reduce the cost of electric vehicle batteries to less than $100/kWh—ultimately $80/kWh
• Increase range of electric vehicles to 300 miles
• Decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.

VTO seeks a talented and committed individual who will engage and learn how to:

• Participate and collaborate with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium and USDRIVE partnership to better understand the Government/Industry relationship. Will participate with key community stakeholders and federal staff to augment R&D portfolio direction and suggest new initiatives to further energy storage state of the art.
• Keep abreast of the latest science and engineering technological advances in state-of-the-art applications pertaining to energy storage. Consolidate knowledge and complete reporting for next generation beyond Li-ion technologies as well as role in novel electrolytes that improve the interface stability and impedance at both the cathode and electrolyte.
• Write and publish technical reports documenting the data, analysis, and resulting insights of work/projects performed.
• Collaborate with National Laboratory and headquarters contractors. 
• Participate with other members of the Vehicle Technologies Office in the development of related documentation for assigned activities. 

Participant Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by EERE officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. Relocation expenses, not to exceed $5,000, incurred in relocating from the participant's current address to Washington, D.C. (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application), may be reimbursed. Participants will receive a travel allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

For more information about the EERE Science, Technology and Policy Program, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program

Appointment Location

Washington, DC

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.

Program eligibility requirements can be found at: visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and/or Chemical/Mechanical Engineering.
• Lab experience in fabrication, testing, and diagnostics (SEM, Raman, FTIR, EDS, XRD, AAS, etc.) of novel energy storage active materials or components.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, concepts, standards, and methods.
• Experience in developing, managing, and evaluating projects and programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to present technical results and briefings to audiences of all levels.
• Confidence and curiosity to learn, ask questions, and engage with top energy storage experts at the national labs, industry, and academia.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (1 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (7 )
  • Engineering (7 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
  • Physics (3 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age