Postdoctoral Research Awards in Solar Energy

Organization
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Reference Code
DOE-EERE-SETO-2017-2105
How to Apply

A complete application consists of the following documents. Please click here for details for each item below.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research Proposal (Not to exceed 6 pages)
  • References
  • Letter of Support
  • Confirmation of Expected Graduation Date - This is required only of applicants currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program
  • Transcripts

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

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

Application Deadline
6/5/2017 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Postdoctoral Research Awards support EERE's mission in energy efficiency and renewable energy by offering recent Ph.D. recipients the opportunity to conduct applied research at universities, national laboratories, and other research facilities.

The objective of the EERE Postdoctoral Research Awards is to support scientific research in energy efficiency and renewable energy by attracting the best scientists and engineers to pursue breakthrough technologies in a highly prestigious postdoctoral research program. To meet this objective, EERE Research Participants will have access to unique education and training opportunities, top scientists in their field, and state-of-the-art projects and equipment. As a result, innovative technologies will be developed that will have a real impact on the economy by providing energy efficient and affordable technologies; on the environment by providing clean energy technologies; and on the quality of life for all Americans by enhancing their energy choices.

Research opportunities will be awarded to qualified applicants to work on collaborative applied research of mutual interest to the applicant, the host facility, and the EERE Program Office sponsoring the award.

Potential research topics for these awards include behavioral and data science to lower solar electricity cost, systems integration, concentrating solar power, and photovoltaic cells, modules, and materials.

Benefits include a yearly stipend of $65,000, a research allowance of $10,000, a research mentor allowance of $5,000, health insurance, and possible relocation travel up to $5,000.

For information about EERE Postdoctoral Research Awards visit http://energy.gov/eere/education/eere-postdoctoral-research-awards.

Former participants of the EERE Postdoctoral Research Award Program are now faculty and staff scientists at major research institutions and national laboratories. It is the expectation that participants will go on to permanent staff positions in academia, at national laboratories, or in industry upon completion of their appointment. You can learn more about former awardees on the EERE website.

Appointment Location
Various federal research facilities located across the U.S.
 
Nature of the Appointment
Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, EERE 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.
Qualifications

Applicants must meet each of the following criteria:

  • Have a Ph.D. for no more than five years from the application deadline or be expected to complete all the doctoral degree requirements by May 30, 2017.
  • Have U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status by May 15, 2017.
  • Be available to start by September 1, 2017. Exceptions to this requirement may be considered for applicants with previous commitments. Contact DOE-RPP@orau.org for additional information.
  • Have received support to submit an application from a research mentor who holds a principal investigator position at a research facility (see Research Mentors for requirements and expectations for research mentors).
  • Be eligible to obtain security or visitation clearance, if one is required by the host facility.
  • Have demonstrated commitment to pursue innovative research in EERE areas of interest.
  • Have a superior academic performance record.

Other Important Information:

  • If you are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and planning to complete the degree requirements by May 30, 2017, you must have the graduate dean, registrar, or other authorized university official provide a signed statement that all requirements for the doctorate degree are expected to be met by May 30, 2017. You may not begin until all degree obligations have been met.
  • Applicants with no previous postdoctoral experience are preferred.
  • If you are currently holding a postdoctoral position, you may select your current research mentor as long as you have not been in his/her lab for more than two years. If selected, you must rescind from all employment.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
    • Physics (2 )
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