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The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) Research Ambassadors Program

• Are you looking for real world experience in cutting edge research from the world's premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise?
• Do you want to learn from top researchers and subject matter experts in data analysis, statistics, economics, science policy, research and more?
• Do you want to develop skills within and outside of your field of study and interest and earn a competitive edge?
• Do you want to network with your peers, travel, and participate in educational events?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program is for you!

What will I be doing?

As a fellow in the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program, you will have the opportunity to explore a federal career and gain a competitive edge as you apply your education, talent and skills in a variety of settings. Fellowships are based on assigned research or technical projects. 

Activities may include, but are not limited to,

• Interpreting data and analyzing results using appropriate methods, techniques, and visualizations.
• Practice identifying, analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing trends and patterns in complex data sets.
• Gaining knowledge of state-of-the-art statistical, analytical, and visualization methods and techniques through reading, meetings with federal and non-federal researchers and analysts, and participation in professional meetings.

Note, your project will be assigned based on funding availability and mentor selection.

"My experience has definitely made me more cognizant of the fact that there are alternative methods and venues for achieving my career goals besides just academia.”

— Matthew Fritz, Former Fellow at NCSES

Why should I apply?

As a fellow in the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. In addition, you will

• Learn from top researchers and subject matter experts in data analysis, statistics, economics, science policy, research and more
• Gain real world experience in cutting edge research from the world's premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise
• Develop skills within and outside of your field of study and interest and earn a competitive edge
• Network with your peers, travel, and participate in educational events

NCSES leads several cutting-edge research projects and initiatives that not only further their mission of collecting and disseminating objective information on the science and engineering enterprise, but also will provide you with an exclusive access to high quality data sets and experiences in data analysis, statistics, and more. 

Where will I be located?

Alexandria, VA (Washington D.C. area) or remote.

NSF NCSES may modify their operation schedule and access to facilities to ensure the health and safety of their entire workforce while maintaining operational effectiveness. Hence, the appointment location is subject to change contingent on NSF NCSES guidelines and may result in a virtual placement.

Participant Benefits

Selected participants will receive a competitive stipend which will be determined by the participant's academic standing, discipline, and experience.

Participants may also be eligible to receive:

• Health insurance allowance
• Reimbursement for travel expenses
• Travel/training allowance for professional development and travel to professional meetings, such as conferences

Duration

Appointments are for one year and may be extended based upon project needs and funding availability for up to 5 years.

Background

Administrative Note
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, NSF, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

To qualify for this opportunity, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
• Have received a doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in an eligible discipline.
  • More details on eligible disciplines can be found at the end of this announcement.

U.S. citizenship is not required for participation in the program. However, depending on the research project, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence may be requested.

Application and Selection Process

The application period will close at 11:59 pm Eastern time on October 12, 2026. Subsequent selection process stages may include telephone, video, or in-person interview with the applicant and mentor. For more information about the selection process, visit https://orise.orau.gov/ncses/ and scroll to the "Appointment Details" section.

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. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to NSF-NCSES@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

A complete application consists of:

• Complete Zintellect profile
• Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity.
• Current Resume/CV
• Academic Records: The applicant must submit records for the most recent degree or degree in progress. Unofficial transcripts or copies of academic records provided by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted.
• Contact Information for One (1) Recommender: Applicants are required to provide contact information (i.e., email address and telephone number) for one recommender in order to submit the application.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered.

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!

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (11 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Engineering (29 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age