DOE-STP - Minerals Processing Technology and Policy Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Reference Code
DOE-STP-MESC-2026
How to Apply

Click on Apply below to start your application.

Application Deadline
2/16/2026 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology and Policy Program (DOE-STP) is designed to provide opportunities for students, postgraduates, and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of the DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply their scientific, policy, and technical knowledge to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE and continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related role.

About the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains

DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) oversees a wide portfolio of programs that invest in U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Notable programs include battery and critical minerals production, vehicle manufacturing, and Defense Production Act investments. Complementing these programs is a robust analysis team that informs program direction and government policy. Additional details may be found at the MESC website here: https://www.energy.gov/mesc/office-manufacturing-and-energy-supply-chains

About this Opportunity

The selected fellow will join the Energy Sector Industrial Base (ESIB) Team within the Analysis and Strategic Investment division of the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and participate in the team’s analytical activities. The ESIB Team develops work products to inform U.S. government strategies and positions to ensure the United States has the materials and production capabilities for a resilient energy supply chain.

This project seeks a fellow with a background in mineral processing/refining. Securing critical minerals and materials (CMMs) is a priority of the administration and DOE, necessitating substantial research and analysis to support decision-making. The selected fellow will engage in the following activities during the appointment:

  1. Conduct research and analysis on CMM technologies and markets
  2. Learn to craft materials for senior leadership and respond to requests thereof (e.g., papers, presentations, and briefings)
  3. Participate in program design and implementation
  4. Develop, implement, and automate new analytical tools and methodologies
  5. Build relationships with other offices and stakeholders
  6. Additional projects as they become available

Participant Provisions

Selected candidates will receive a stipend to offset the cost of living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by MESC and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. Candidates may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses. 

Nature of the Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, the DOE, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment, as outlined in the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must have completed a Master's or Doctoral Degree within the last 5 years.  If it has been more than 5 years since the receipt of the degree, to be considered, the applicant must have an academic background and experience in a relevant field and must be seeking to gain new knowledge/experience to expand career opportunities or to advance professionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A master's or doctoral degree relevant to minerals processing and refining.
  • Experience in the technologies involved with minerals processing and refining, preferably with industrial experience deploying, building, or operating such processes and the capital equipment involved.
  • Experience with the markets and economics of mineral production and their supply chains.

A complete application consists of:

  • Zintellect Profile and responses to opportunity-specific questions.
  • Transcripts/Academic Records - 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 candidates may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, and relevant experiences. 
  • One Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for one recommender to submit the application. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential for success, as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect in order to be considered and must be in English or include an official English translation. 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.

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

Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Engineering (8 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
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