Transportation Program Analyst Fellow
Organization
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Reference Code
USDOT-BTS-2026-0001
How to Apply
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Description
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST) coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation's transportation system. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the principal federal statistical agency that provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment.
Are you ready to learn from federal leaders to provide our Nation with the accurate, reliable information needed to measure the accessibility and connectivity of the transportation network to our communities? Do you want to help DOT, planning agencies, and researchers demonstrate the importance and role of transportation data and analysis for the Nation?
Join our team and learn how to analyze the impact of the transportation system. Two research projects are currently available at DOT. The first examines and compiles information about travel demand models from state DOTs and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop a white paper on current practices/methods from a national standpoint. We’re interested in basic model information for regional and statewide transportation models, in addition to what new technologies and methods are being used, particularly in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) space. The second project involves assessment and collection of data from passenger travel with a focus on long-distance travel and tourism. This research will assist in the development of a long-distance travel program and will also seek the use of modern technology in the form of AI.
This appointment is for one year. Extensions may be offered in increments of one year up to a total of five years. Extensions are contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
This opportunity offers a competitive stipend and provisions such as a travel allowance and health insurance.
This opportunity is located within the OST and the BTS in Washington, DC or remote.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, DOT, 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.
Applications will be reviewed and a selection made on a rolling basis.
Qualifications
An associate’s, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a relevant field is required. The degree must have been conferred within 60 months of the appointment start date. Relevant fields include geography, social or behavioral science, computer science, information systems, mathematics or statistics, earth or geological sciences, life, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, business, data science, and data visualization. Please see the full list of disciplines below under Eligibility Requirements. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Socrata, etc.)
• Familiarity with GIS and spatial mapping
• Familiarity with R or Python
• Familiarity with linking various transportation datasets
• Familiarity with Travel Demand Modeling/Forecast
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to learn under limited guidance and changing outcome goals
• Knowledge of and interest in U.S. transportation systems; state DOT's and MPOs
• Ability to present results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform subsequent research
• Proficiency translating high-level business requirements into detailed design specifications
• Ability to engage among offices and units to obtain information, collaborate on data-related projects, and validate findings and conclusions
• Familiarity with climate change mitigation and adaptation policy
• Familiarity with alternative energy and transportation statutes
A complete application consists of:
- Profile Information
- Application Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Transcript(s) - 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. The selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
- A current resume/CV
- One Letter of recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for one recommendation to submit the application. Applicants are encouraged to request a letter of recommendation before submission as this may help reviewers have a better understanding of the applicant’s qualifications and interests. The letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf before an offer can be made.
If you have questions, please email USDOT@orau.org and list the reference code for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
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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 (48 )
- Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
- Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
- Physics (16 )
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
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