By Sonal Gahlawat
For many individuals, securing a position at a Federal Agency or a National Laboratory is an ambitious dream. Prestigious institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), and many more, represent the high point of one’s professional achievement (Figure 1). While the prospect of finding employment at these renowned institutes may initially appear daunting, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) serves as a comprehensive solution, simplifying the process of discovering the ideal research opportunity within the DoE and other federal agencies. If you are currently in pursuit of the next significant step in your career, continue reading to explore the countless possibilities that ORISE has to offer.
Figure 1: Select partner institutes of ORISE
On November 8, 2023, iJOBS hosted a session focused on uncovering internships and career pathways within leading institutions such as the NIH, FDA, CDC, and other research organizations. During this informative event, Veronica Harris and Ryan Cross, both Communications and Marketing Specialists from ORISE, shared valuable insights with an engaged audience comprising graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Their presentation shed light on ORISE, a Department of Energy (DoE) asset sponsored by over 20 federal agencies and departments, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional career development. In short, ORISE is a program that “ provides practical scientific training experiences” for both domestic and international scientists through contractual fellowship positions available at various government and national agencies.
In essence, being an ORISE STEM researcher entails immersive hands-on learning, exposure to real-world scenarios, access to cutting-edge equipment and resources, and collaboration with exceptional scientists and researchers, all contributing to one's growth as a scientist. Becoming part of the global ORISE community also provides the chance to expand one's professional network. ORISE prides itself on fostering a community that embraces diversity, respects differences, and encourages innovation and collaboration. To explore the various fellowships and internships managed by ORISE, interested individuals can click on this link. These opportunities are categorized into four sections based on their respective U.S. departments and federal agencies, ensuring a structured and accessible overview for potential applicants (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Snapshot of internships and fellowship programs managed by ORISE based on their respective US department and federal agency
Navigating and individually exploring the many career openings within each department and agency on the ORISE website can be a daunting task. The solution to streamline this process is Zintellect, a searchable database of both research and non-research internships and fellowships administered by the ORISE. Zintellect not only facilitates the search for opportunities but also provides guidance on the application process. Read on to discover tips and tricks from Veronica on successfully navigating the application process, including:
Creating a free account:
- Subscribe to digests at preferred intervals (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Upload your resume to enhance Zintellect's ability to match you with the right opportunities, minimizing your effort in the future.
Effortless identification of openings based on keywords, academic level, and fields of study.
Carefully reviewing eligibility criteria for specific roles:
- Eligibility may vary based on the position.
- Click on the "eye" symbol under "Eligibility Requirements" to ascertain the eligible disciplines.
If you're passionate about an opportunity but not yet eligible, consider reaching out to the mentor and networking.
Simplified search based on preferred organizations and programs; recommended to leave both fields blank for broader results.
Mindful consideration of application deadlines:
- Check if the application process is "rolling."
Applying early and frequently.
Highlighting qualifications to showcase passion and interests.
Emphasizing soft skills such as volunteerism, leadership, teamwork, and initiative, as they all play a crucial role in the application process.
Following an abundance of valuable insights, Veronica and Ryan delved into addressing questions from the audience. Here's a concise overview of the Q&A session:
Q: What are potential career paths after working as an ORISE STEM researcher?
- Staff scientists within the federal government, biomedical field, pharmaceutical industry, academia, etc.
Q: Are opportunities open to international students?
- Yes, though the position title may vary depending on the organization.
Q: Is a CV better than a resume for applying for ORISE postdoctoral positions?
- CV.
Q: Can you apply for roles outside your field?
- Yes, it's possible. Contact the mentor, express your reasons for the change, showcase your passion, and ensure your basic discipline aligns with eligibility requirements.
Q: Are there positions available for mid-career level positions?
- Yes, but they are rare.
The iJOBS panel session served as a guiding light, offering an exploration of the abundant opportunities within various federal agencies and national laboratories. For fellow aspiring professionals, like me, exploring numerous possibilities that ORISE and its associated programs offer can pave the way for advancing scientific careers and making meaningful contributions in the diverse and impactful realm of scientific research.
This article was edited by Junior Editor Kylie Ryan Kaler and Senior Editor Shawn Rumrill.