The U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - Science, Technology and Policy (STP) Program serves as a next step in the educational and professional development of recent graduates by providing opportunities to participate in policy-related projects at DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) in Washington, D.C. Participants will collaborate with and learn from government scientists, engineers, program managers, and policymakers to gain experience learning about projects that support DOE’s mission to combat the climate crisis, create good clean energy jobs, and promote energy justice.

This Fellowship is hosted by EERE's Building Technologies Office (BTO). EERE’s mission is to create and sustain American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. BTO supports that mission by conducting research and implementing programs to support efficient decarbonization of more than 125 million homes and buildings throughout the United States.

Within the Building Technologies Office, the Residential Buildings Integration (RBI) team is seeking Fellows to engage with its dynamic work to enable better housing through widespread access to energy efficiency technologies and resources. The United States has over 118 million housing units split between rented and owner-occupied single-family homes, manufactured homes, and apartment units. These housing units consume about 22% of total US energy and cost households $220 billion in energy bills each year. Energy efficient features like insulation, heat pumps, LEDs, and ENERGY STAR® equipment can help households reduce their energy bills, increase comfort, and reduce pollution. BTO’s Residential Buildings Team supports analysis, data tools, and efficiency programs to increase access to these technologies nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office (BTO) is looking for Fellows to engage in residential building decarbonization and technology-related research projects. Under the guidance of a mentor, your learning opportunities include:

• Participating in technical reviews/assessments of proposed research and development plans, collaborate in conducting technical and economic feasibility analysis, and evaluate at a deep technical level the progress and ongoing viability and success potential of projects toward meeting the BTO energy efficiency goals. 
• Periodic technical reviews and providing rigorous technical feedback for funded R&D projects and assisting in the negotiation of statements of work and project management plans for new awards.
• Collaborating in the assessment of state-of-the-art scientific literature and practice in relevant technologies and assessing new opportunities for further advancement in the field and the industry.
• Contributing to completion of BTO strategy and complementary roadmaps on decarbonization, reaching affordable housing, workforce development, efficiency financing, and/or housing health impacts.
• Collaborating with BTO federal employees, contractors, laboratory staff, and other fellows on technical and techno-economic analyses and develop short-term and long-term quantitative goals for BTO.

Professional development opportunities include:

• Stakeholder Engagement. Engage with DOE staff to build and maintain relationships with strategic partners working on new efficiency technologies, energy efficiency programs, and other housing priorities.
• Technical Expertise. Engage with DOE staff to provide feedback and/or recommendations on strategic progress or course correction for a variety of projects related to home energy efficiency products, technologies, and solutions.
• Creative Vision. Engage in strategic planning for technology research and development, reviewing, recommending, and implementing projects that advance the BTO and RBI mission, resulting in measurable energy savings and other benefits to homeowners and residents.
• Communication. Engage with DOE staff to prepare and present written and oral briefings and reports to senior program staff, DOE leadership, external partners, and industry stakeholders.

Appointment Location:

Washington, D.C.

Participant Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a competitive stipend. Stipend rates are determined by DOE officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. Candidates will also be eligible to receive a stipend supplement to offset the cost of health insurance premiums and relocation of up to $5,000. A travel and research allowance of $10,000 will also be available to participants for each appointment year. Extension of the appointment beyond the first year will be subject to satisfactory progress toward completion of the project assignments, and availability of funds.

Nature of the Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, 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. 

For more information about the EERE Science, Technology and Policy Program, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program