Zintellect - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF) Program - Host Opportunity

Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF) Program - Host Opportunity

Organization

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Reference Code

DOE-EIF-2026-HOST

How to Apply

The host application is outside the Zintellect platform, do not click Apply at the bottom of the page.

The host institution application closes on Oct. 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. (noon) PT. Late, incomplete, or non-formally submitted applications will not be considered or accepted.

Applications can be saved and continued before the closing date. If saving to continue later, be sure to follow the instructions provided and bookmark the URL. An email confirmation will be provided when an application is submitted. If email is not received, check the junk folder before contacting ORISE to confirm submission.

To apply and learn more about EIF and host institutions – such as eligibility, requirements, and project topics of interest – visit: https://orise.orau.gov/eif/default.html

Questions? Contact ORISE at DOE-EIF@orise.orau.gov with the subject line: “EIF Program Question”.

Application Deadline

10/2/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

The Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF) program is seeking Host Institutions to commit to a two-year engagement to host a fellow. Eligible host institutions are Electric cooperatives, grid operators, municipal utilities, public utility commissions, state energy offices, and tribal entities. The EIF is a learning opportunity that funds recent graduates and early-career professionals to conduct research related to modernizing the power grid, improving energy infrastructure, and strengthening the affordability, reliability, and security of the U.S. power system. The program recruits candidates from varied educational and professional backgrounds to spend up to two years engaging with an eligible host institution under the guidance of a mentor.

Host institutions define the project and identify a staff member who will serve as the fellow's mentor. The mentor's role is to provide guidance to the Fellow throughout their appointment and support a successful experience. A fellow’s project is defined up front to support the pairing process but has flexibility to evolve over the fellowship period.

Sections from the application will be posted on ORISE's Energy Innovator Fellowship website to assist fellow candidates with their application. Prospective fellows are asked to select up to five preferred host institutions for potential placement based on the project description and location provided.

Qualifications

1. Eligible host types:

Electric cooperatives
Grid operators
Municipal utilities
Public utility commissions
State energy offices
Tribal entities

More information about eligible host institutions is available on the EIF Website linked above.

2. Eligible topics of interest
3. One project and fellow per mentor
4. One project per application
5. Complete and submitted application through NOVI by the due date and time listed above.

Appointment:

The Energy Innovator Fellowship Program is funded by DOE's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI), Office of Electricity (OE), and Office of Indian Policy and Programs (IE). and administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

During the appointment, the fellow will be considered a participant and will not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, DOE, the host institution, or any other office or agency.

Information below this line are the requirements for fellow applicants, not host institutions. ***

Point of Contact

Daphne

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
Discipline(s):
- Business (11 )
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
- Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
- Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
- Earth and Geosciences (21 )
- Engineering (27 )
- Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
- Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
- Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
- Physics (16 )
- Science & Engineering-related (2 )
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
Age: Must be 18 years of age

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